Spark timing is so critical to an engine's performance that most cars don't use points.

There is always an optimal spark timing for all operating conditions of an engine.

In this article, we'll learn about ignition systems, starting with spark timing.

Doing away with auto parts like the distributor meant better control of the ignition and spark timing.

A certain amount of skill and experience was required to find the optimal spark timing for any speed and load.

This gives the ECU total control over spark timing.

Throttle control was not yet perfected, and engine revolutions were mainly controlled by means of a spark timing mechanism.

It used to mean setting the carburetor's air-fuel mixture, the gap of the distributor points and the spark timing, among other things.

This allows the engine to run at higher compression ratios and more aggressive spark timing, which increases power and efficiency.

And finally, they allow for more precise control of the spark timing, which can improve efficiency, emissions and increase the overall power of a car.

He has been racing the Natural Gasser since 1987, but it took a year, he said, to find the optimum compression ratio and spark timing.

Spark timing, relative to piston position, is based on static (initial or base) timing prior to centrifugal advance.

These early Motronic systems integrated the spark timing element with then-existing Jetronic fuel injection technology.

Its integrated control of engine functions (such as fuel injection and spark timing) is now the standard approach for fuel injection systems.

Other variables include lower altitudes, higher air and engine temperatures and faulty spark timing, all of which create a need for higher octane.

Although EGR does measurably slow combustion, this can largely be compensated for by advancing spark timing.

The computer adjusted spark timing based on manifold vacuum, engine speed, engine temperature, throttle position over time, and incoming air temperature.

EST (Electronic Spark Timing) was used on 1981 models only in place of manual timing advance.

For instance, by retarding the spark timing (moving the spark closer to the top of the compression stroke), maximum cylinder pressures and temperatures can be reduced.

Fuel-injected engines, or engines with microprocessor controls may require special procedures to allow basic spark timing to be observed without control effects from the engine computer.

They require regular adjustment to compensate for wear, and the opening of the contact breakers, which is responsible for spark timing, is subject to mechanical variations.

The electronic control unit in a modern automobile, together with advanced engine technology, makes it possible to control many aspects of the engine's operation, such as spark timing and fuel injection.

The addition of a knock sensor for the engine management system in 1985 allowed an increase in compression and a more aggressive spark timing map in the ECM.

The production ECMs were becoming more complex, and were becoming powertrain controllers controlling the transmission, spark timing, Idle speed, as well as air-fuel intake mixtures.

The carbureted engine was almost identical to the previous blue engine, the main difference being in the use of computer controlled spark timing (EST) The ports were slightly wider spaced, meaning the manifolds will not simply interchange.