I too run my 1.9 l at 5 deg BTDC, ever since I saw that the Euro spec for that year '84 was 10 deg BTDC. I know that the gas in USA may not be of the same octane etc. I also think the compression ratio is higher in Europe too. I still maintain that it's the total advance that really matters, under load at that. Probably this is what should be checked with a timing light. I admit I havent done it though. Idle timing can be where it wants to be. Probably the ignition is retarded on US vehicles for emissions reasons and some power is thus sacrificed. If the engine doesn't ping under heavy loads, its probably safe. Mine doesn't. I enjoy the little extra pick-up and I get 20 -21 mpg on regular gas with a/c. It doesnt seem to improve without a/c. Most of my cruising is 70 -80 mph. Cheers, Steve Cotsford |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.