Adjusting the timing for hilly driving..

[Purdy Swoft]

I've driven model A's for so long that it seems that they are a part of me .

 

[fredski53]

It aint the friggen space shuttle! Just drive the darn thing!

 

[Synchro909]

It aint the friggen space shuttle! Just drive the darn thing!

Where do you set the advance lever on a space shuttle??!!
Seriously, we over think these things somethimes.

 

[old31]

I just looked up the advance on the space shuttle question.

They said advance lever to 100% then add 50%.

And x2 on what Purdy said in #17.

 

[ryanheacox]

Seems to me it's like torquing bolts. Tighten till you hear the snap then back off 1/4 turn

With the 5.5 head I generally start out with the lever halfway down (start the engine with all the way retarded of course) and generally leave it alone. While driving on level ground I'll pull it down to see if I can get any more power but usually halfway down is optimal for my car even at 50mph+. On long/steep hills I push it up a couple notches. I've never heard it ping but as others have said, you don't have to hear it for damage to be done.

 

[Synchro909]

Seems to me it's like torquing bolts. Tighten till you hear the snap then back off 1/4 turn

With the 5.5 head I generally start out with the lever halfway down (start the engine with all the way retarded of course) and generally leave it alone. While driving on level ground I'll pull it down to see if I can get any more power but usually halfway down is optimal for my car even at 50mph+. On long/steep hills I push it up a couple notches. I've never heard it ping but as others have said, you don't have to hear it for damage to be done.

I run a 5.5 head on each of my cars and find exactly like you. About half way down is optimal regardless of speed. As Tom says, set it right and don't diddle with it (maybe a long, steep hill excepted).

 

[Bill G]

I fiddle with the advance to get the best performance on hilly roads. Around town and on straight roads, I set it and leave it. I suspect this is what most people do. Even with my new hearing aids, I simply cannot hear the pings any more. I used to be able to hear them no problem. The Model A engine is not the quietest engine ever made.

 

[Dale G.]

Buy yourself an owners manual. Every thing you need to know is there including the use of the spark lever.

 

[duke36]

I run a 5.5 head on each of my cars and find exactly like you. About half way down is optimal regardless of speed. As Tom says, set it right and don't diddle with it (maybe a long, steep hill excepted).

Ditto with our BF head. The higher compression doesn't seem to like too much advance especially on hills. In our case, the spark lever needs to be adjusted as needed on varying hill grades.

 

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Steve, what brand/type 16 inch tires did you choose that are shown in the 2cnd picture?


Was the speedometer accurate? Or did you have to change the turtle or have the speedometer gearing rebuilt/calibrated?

Hi Guys,

I have done about 200 miles in my new toy am are absolutely loving it. The only concern i have is the timing lever. At the mo I am retarding it when i start the engine and pulling it down to about 8 o'clock when i drive it. I don't do any fine adjustments. I don't feel like I have an ear for noticing any differences when driving fast or slow.
But I am concerned about hilly roads. I vaguely remember hearing somewhere about having to adjust the lever when driving up and down hills. Could someone please explain to me what is required when conquering mountain passes?

Also, I have attached a couple of pics of my new wheels and tyres. I can't believe the difference in the ride with the 16" radials! Its amazing! I didn't realise those old 21" crossplys are such a hard ride. i am very happy with the change, and not as much of a loss at top end as i was expecting!
Thank you all for your advice with choosing this combo.
Regards Steve