NA you can go as high as 14-16. Turbo you want to stay at 10, although I kind of proved it doesn't matter where the base timing is set so long as it is set properly with the timing tables.

 

With your stock ECU you have no control over the tables-- so you change the base timing which adds/subtracts from the tables everywhere. It's crude, but all you can do. When you increase the base timing from 10 to 14 with the stock ECU in place you're tricking the ECU as it 'thinks' you've got it set to 10 degrees BTDC, and it advances the timing beyond that-- so you've added 4 degrees of timing everywhere in your map.

With the MSPNP this isn't the case. You're no longer tricking the stock ECU so there's a need for a change in your way of thinking concerning this. You can use whatever number you want to set the base timing. I direct you to use 10 because it's easiest to see on the timing indicator on the engine. You could use 30 degrees if you wanted to though, and as long as what you tell the MSPNP to command is matched with the timing light, your base timing is set and you haven't changed the tune at all.

The difference is that in this case you've TOLD the MSPNP to command a certain amount of advance, and you're simply making the light match that. Think of it as synchronizing the ECU with the crankshaft position. Sure you 'could' set the MSPNP to 10, and then advance it to 14... but that would make no sense at all-- if you want another 4 degrees of timing just tune it into your advance table. You've got a standalone EMS now, you can do cool stuff like that .

Let me know if that was unclear at all and I'll try and clear it up some more...

 

it was unclear a little. Real quick to set the timing on the quick setup (using megasquirt) I simply change the values while shinging my timing light down until it reads whatever measurement of advance i want, correct?

 

Have you watched the video linked in the manual on this topic? it covers it pretty well-- everything but actually using a timing light at least.

You set the 'fixed angle' to 10. That tells the MSPNP to command 10 degrees BTDC of advance. Then you use a timing light to check your advance. Adjust the 'trigger angle' until the timing light says 10 degrees BTDC (to match what you set in the 'fixed angle' setting). Now the MSPNP and crank position are in sync. Set the 'fixed angle' back to -10 so the MSPNP will use the ignition map again. You don't want to drive around at 10 degrees all of the time .

 

You can set whatever timing you want at whatever RPM, in the megasquirt with NO timing light. The timing light is just to set the base timing to make sure it is accurate.

Correct Jerry?

I haven't been able to borrow a timing light yet to do mine, need to find one asap, don't feel like shelling out 50$ for a tool that I will use once.

 

okay i understand fully now. Just a quick question do i have to jump any terminals when checking my timing? can i just check it as if normal?

 

No, no jumping is necessary, you only needed to do this with the stock ECU. Megasquirt is in full control of spark, just follow the video exactly and you will be good to go.

 

Jerry, It says not to go below "50" at the Trigger Angle (Deg) and should the need arise, adjust the CAS to get desired timing. Will there be a need to adjust fixed angle to "10" again? or just leave as is since base timing is sync`d

did I make any sense?

 

Jerry, what if we had advanced timing before we set up the MS does that need to be reset back to normal timing?

 

What you did before makes no real difference now... the CAS will be in a slightly differently place is all, which you will quickly account for when you set the base timing by following the manual and the video.

SideDraft-- if you need to change the timing with the CAS, you can fine tune it as per the video, in fact I'd recommend it as it's easier to move it in 1 degree increments in software than it is physically with the CAS.

 

there is a video. Are you guys in it? Is it called megaquirt i bet that gets some funny looks.

 

Video was great, setup mine with a borrowed timing light this morning with no issues.

Can't speak yet for the map though.