instead of boggin up v64's thread, i was just wondering what advantage advancing iginition timing would do? what are the dangers?

To put it simply and very roughly:
Too early (advanced) ingnition timing detonates the mixture before the optimum pressure has been reached. Results in to pinging (rattling noise which hearts my ear and the pistons). :cry:
Too late timing makes no significant noise as early timing does, but just wastes the "bang" - mixture is detonated at the stage when exhaust valve is opening, so the boom goes out to the Greenies.
Both incorrect timings result to power loss.

Advancing the timing (making it detonate earlier) engine would be working well on high RPM, but would be too early on lower RPMs. On high revs the timing is around 30 deg mark, where as idle timing is around 5-10 deg depending on engine.
Danger is that it would burn a hole in to the piston in the long run, if it's too early and pings constantly. That would improve the cylinder ventilation, though ;) :D
So, why change the ignition timing then? For many reasons.
If engine has been modified and breathes better, it could use more fuel to produce more power. Especially if the camshafts have been changed, the whole nature of the engine has changed from the original - hence standard timing figures would not appply.
By simply advancing the timing on std engine would be quite useless.
It might change the characteristics a bit, but I wouldn't touch it.
Besides, with ECU, we cannot change ign timing, can we. Would need to be done with appropriate equipment.
Hope this helps.



What advantage advancing iginition timing would do? what are the dangers?

putting it "simply and roughly" is certainly good for me :D
Thanks for the reply killer, it makes a lot more sense now. sounds like something i will not have to worry about for a long long time :D :D :D

Advancing timing also increases emissions of nitrogen oxides, so the manufacturer can't go setting it to whatever they want.
This is strecthing my memory a bit though, so if anyone disagrees tell me and when I have the time I'll confirm it.

Yep, it would be due to improper process when igniting the combusted mixtures. Certain gases burn differently in different temparatures and pressures etc. There is some tolerance with ignition timing - usually +- 2 deg. But this all depends on the engine and other variables.
Very scientific issue, after all.
But at the end of the day knowing all this might not make too much difference in our mods - we are still restricted to use hardware provided to us by people like RPW, who hopefully have done all the testing for us regarding incoming air flows, processing using Greddy's etc, exhausts and so on.
But keep it coming, knowledge never killed anyone.... 8)


Advancing timing also increases emissions of nitrogen oxides, so the manufacturer can't go setting it to whatever they want.

ignition timing can be changed in about 30 seconds...
:)
using a timing light a spanna and a pair of hands..!!

ignition timing can be changed in about 30 seconds...
:)
using a timing light a spanna and a pair of hands..!!


even on a 2002 VR-X ?

Not as far as I'm aware, I think thats only on the 2nd gens.

I advanced the timing on my TR V6, it made a massive difference, but I've been running 98 Ultimate only before and since then.