Thread: Timing by ear?

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Originally Posted by tweaked250r

Sometimes respectable engine guys tell me they time all thier motors by ear and by the looks of it, it works good. So for everybody that times by ear what exactly do you lissen for and/or do?? Thanks

Well, you find the guy with the best ear, and I'll bet all my money on my timing light for accuracy....

Setting by ear at idle only works for a start. When the advance comes in, you may need more or less timing. If it pings on accelleration, retard, if it bogs, advance.
Timing lights and book specs can't take into account the effects of age, wear and tear, and many small variables we introduce ourselves when we modify engines. I get them to run the way I want, then put the light on them and record the setting for future use.

Tuning by ear isn't a great way to set up an engine for optimum operation. First and foremost, you cannot always hear detonation (ping). This can cause damage as minor as a cracked spark plug to as major as broken pistons and bent valves - and you can't always hear it hapening. Secondly, todays gasolines are seldom consistant in antiknock (octane) compounds from one truck load to another and can be a deterrant to good mileage, detonation reduction and overall performance. A timing light and vacuum gauge along with known tuning specs are your best tools for good overall performance.
And yes, I do tune by ear, but only as my starting point for my light and gauge.