How do I know if my timing is off. I did timing with my Miata for the 1st time. I marked it. The cams are in the right place (i,e) and all that good stuff. The guy I bought the Miata from is running 8 deg off base timing. I was an idiot and forgot to take a picture of it before taking off the belt and accidently turning the cams. I found TDC by turning the cams and feeling the 1 cylinder till it was at top. There is no pinging and the car cranks over fine. It even feels smoother. I heard of advanced timing, but like I said, I'm a novice tinkerer at best. There is no hesitation, NO pinging noises, the idle is fine, a bit high (1100rpm at idle) and the response is basically as good as when I first got it from the guy. Just wondering, I need to get more posts so I can go on the other threads. Thanks everyone!

*Note: I had to do the timing to replace waterpump, thermostat. I also removed my busted A/C, compressor, A/C box... now 2nd question. Does removing the A/C and getting a shorter belt affect idle?!!

 

www.miataforum.com then use the search button

 

Don't know about the shorter belt... I just removed the obsolete belt from compressor and left the Alternator belt alone.
If your timing was off, you'd know. Sounds as if the timing is fine. Stumbling, pinging, and definite loss of power are symptoms.

 

thanx Machismo. I guess I did the timing right.