Turbo Noob! Should I adjust my timing?
 

Just installed my turbo and it seems to be running fine at idle and under boost, but I have read somewhere (in this forum or on miata.net) that certain prefab kits recommend retarding the timing (I believe that it said 6 degrees BTDC) Is this true? And please dont mock me if it is a stupid question because I wont know unless I ask! Thanks guys in advance and I look forward to your input.

needz moar infoz!

psi, turbo, intercooled? ect

Yes.

If you have no way of monitoring detonation it is definitely a good idea to retard timing. Its a really good idea to ask whoever sold you the kit what they recomend as well.

Too much timing advance starts the combustion of the air/fuel mix soon enough that you get a very rapid combustion that is more or less an explosion as the piston gets near TDC. This will crack ring land and result in shrpnel if not addressed.

How much is too much depends on a bunch of factors, but to play it safe I would definitely run less ignition timing under boost than you did while NA. Again, the best thing is to ask the maker of the kit. And stickies are your freind in a HUGE way.

6 Psi, it is a Airesearch .50 trim .36 back and it is intercooled. Pics of setup are here!

https://www.miataturbo.net/forum/t43763/

Well I cant ask the maker because I am the maker :) I put this kit together myself! Whole kit consists of Reliable, high quality, brand name parts!

If you're running 93 octane and your AFRs are good, at 6psi you could probably get away without retarding the timing, but to be on the safe side you should probably pull 2-3 degrees from your base timing.

What you should really do is get some EMS that will allow you to further adjust your timing and fuel.

I am going to, I just couldnt afford to do it all at once. MS should be coming when I get my income tax check

I dont see a wideband on your list, run 8 degrees or blow your motor.

+1 i would run -2* than stock just till you get your megasquirt.

To be safe I would put it down to 6 degrees, which is what the Greddy kit recommends.

Let's compare this with going into the beekeeping business...

I got the bees and hives but not the suit or smoke...I just couldn't afford to do it all at once.

How do you expect to get any honey (boost/reward) without being stung?

If you can't afford proper engine management/band-aids, wideband, whatever before you boost, I would bet a new motor will also be out of budget...

Keep your foot out of it until rectified...resist temptation, it is fine line between 6psi and a whole lot more, especially with the "global warming" that is snowing in much of the country. Good Luck!