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MG MGA - Timing

The rebuilder (Lawrie Alexander) of my engine, a 1600, indicated to me that the timing would be best if set at 35 degrees advanced at 3,000 rpm. The work was done 13 years ago.
Yet, almost everywhere I look, the consensus seems to be around 32 degrees (with 35 being an upper limit) at 3,600 (or more) rpm.
The rebuild involved balancing, head work, exhaust headers, and a mild cam. The distributor was rebuilt by Jeff at Advanced Distributors (after Lawrie's timing advice).
Is it reasonable, given the less than stock nature of the engine rebuild, that such a deviation from the timing consensus be valid? Thanks for any comments or viewpoints.
Rick deOlazarra

The combined effects of headwork, headers and a non stock cam will have complex and maybe unpredictable interactions.

The simple answer is that if it doesn't preignite (ping or pink) when you're driving it, it's probably OK.

The complicated answer is to put it on a dyno and see what happens.
A Bowie

My 79 has a Crane 270 cam, Lumitronix Ignition, Weber DGV carburetor. After much adjusting, I found the best setting was at 17 BTDC @ 1500 RPM. No pinging (pinking) on 87 octane. The factory setting was my starting point.

Cheers

Gary
79 MGB
gary hansen

This thread was discussed between 19/03/2016 and 20/03/2016

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.