I have a 1982 El Camino. Two years ago, because it didn't pass the California smog test, I had to take it to a designated repair shop. As part of the repair, the tech told me: "Some fool set the ...

Ignition timing is easily the single most important tuning adjustment on an internal combustion engine and yet the concept of ignition curves continues to be elusive for many enthusiasts. Yet all it ...

Ignition timing is typically split into three types. The first is initial timing—that is, the amount of spark lead that is set using a timing light (aimed at the harmonic balancer) with the engine at ...

According to NGK, adding 10 degrees of ignition timing at idle will raise the spark plug temperature anywhere from 180- to 210 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that adding just one degree of ignition ...

You just put your new crate engine together and your adrenaline is pumping. Pump the throttle, turn the key, and… the thing runs like a total dog. It idles fine, but as soon as you step on the ...

DEAR CAR TALK: I have a 1982 El Camino. Two years ago, because it didn't pass the California smog test, I had to take it to a designated repair shop. As part of the repair, the tech told me: "Some ...

Welcome back for Part 2 of tune-up tips for your older Corvette. Last time we talked about tricks of the trade when setting points. This month we will talk about setting ignition timing. The most ...

Ignition timing is like seasoning: some is good, but too much ruins the results. Bumping up the ignition timing on pushrod 5.0s is a time-honored trick to wake up the under-hood lump. The EFI system ...

I have a 1982 El Camino. Two years ago, because it didn’t pass the California smog test, I had to take it to a designated repair shop. As part of the repair, the tech told me: “Some fool set the ...