Synchronizing Ignition Timing - Holley EFI

[[email protected]]

In the "Set Static Timing" screen, there are "SET" "Get" & "Clear" tabs. I just installed a GM HEI computer controlled distributor, and I'm trying to set the initial. I've tried it several different ways to set it at 10°. My timing light shows that, but when I select "SET" the vehicle starts to run poorly. Even though the base timing shows 25°, the timing light is still showing 10°. I've read this thread several times, but saw no mention of the "SET" "Get" & "Clear" tabs. Thanks.

[Danny Cabral]

Even though the base timing shows 25°, the timing light is still showing 10°.

Are you trying to set the (actual engine) idle timing to 10° or 25°?
Is the idle timing in the Base Timing Table set to 10° or 25°?

The 10° "Ignition Reference Angle" (GM HEI) is not the idle timing.
Most engines won't like 10° idle timing, and it'll glow the header tubes red.

I've read this thread several times, but saw no mention of the "SET" "Get" & "Clear" tabs.

You'll only need to use "SET" & "CLEAR" to enable & disable the Static Timing Set.

[[email protected]]

Honestly, I was trying to set the base timing to 10°. I've been working on another vehicle with a different aftermarket ECU, and that's what I set that at. I went back & reread the first post, and I think I had confused myself. Let me make sure I have this correct in my head now:
1. Select Enable Static Timing Set from the drop down menu.
2. Enter the Static Timing value I want, you recommend 25-30, so that's what I'll go with.
3. Move distributor to match the Static Timing value.
4. Select "Set" and that's it?

[Danny Cabral]

3. Move distributor to match the Static Timing value.
4. Select "Set" and that's it?

No, your step 3 & 4 are reversed.
I think you're confusing what the "Enable Static Timing Set" function actually is. It's not permanently setting the ignition timing for you, and it's not necessarily your idle timing. It's only a temporary tool to assist you in synchronizing the ignition timing. You actually don't even have to use it, but it's much easier to adjust the Inductive Delay with it. "Set" just activates the entered timing value you chose, to temporarily lock the entire Base Timing Table at one fixed value (like a locked out advance distributor). When you exit the "Enable Static Timing Set" function (timing synchronization complete), you're back on the Base Timing Table to make timing changes/tuning.

[[email protected]]

No, your step 3 & 4 are reversed. I think you're confusing what the "Enable Static Timing Set" function actually is. It's not permanently setting the ignition timing for you, and it's not necessarily your idle timing. It's only a temporary tool to assist you in synchronizing the ignition timing.

I got it lined out, works great. Thanks for the help, it's greatly appreciated!

[Rage]

Just to confirm my reading of the above, "With a GM HEI & Ford TFI, simply set it to 10° and forget about it (it's not your idle timing)." I.E. There is no need to perform the Cranking Timing confirmation test with a timing light for the GM LSx 24 Tooth Ignition Type? And the Cranking Parameters Timing Setting is always to be set at 10°?

[Danny Cabral]

Just to confirm my reading of the above, "With a GM HEI & Ford TFI, simply set it to 10° and forget about it (it's not your idle timing)." I.E. There is no need to perform the Cranking Timing confirmation test with a timing light for the GM LSx 24 Tooth Ignition Type?

Correct, you shouldn't need to check the timing synchronization on an LSx application. But if you have an LSx engine, why are you referring to the GM HEI & Ford TFI distributors? In other words, what do these distributors have to do with an LSx application?

And the Cranking Parameters Timing Setting is always to be set at 10°?

10° & 15° of Cranking Timing is the most common.

[Rage]

But if you have an LSx engine, why are you referring to the GM HEI & Ford TFI distributors? In other words, what do these distributors have to do with an LSx application?

My ignorance of those terms. I assumed they were terms for LSx type system. This is why so many questions. I want to be sure I do not misunderstand. Thanks for your patience & timely help.

10° & 15° of Cranking Timing is the most common.

How would I confirm what mine should be since there's more than one setting apparently? My engine is a 2004 GM Gen7 8.1L ignition system with 24 tooth crank reluctor.

[Danny Cabral]

How would I confirm what mine should be since there's more than one setting apparently? My engine is a 2004 GM Gen7 8.1L ignition system with 24 tooth crank reluctor.

It's user-programmable EFI. You tune it by simply trying both values, and use the one that promotes better starting.

[Rage]

Thanks again!

[Garland]

Hey guys, Garland here. I’ve got a 71 Mach 1 with a 351 Cleveland. We bored & stroked engine to a 408. I’m using 72cc Trick Flow heads with Edelbrock RPM Air-Gap intake. Not sure about the cam specs, but I believe it's mildly aggressive. I’m using the Holley Terminator EFI. The fuel pump is in the tank. I dropped the distributor in at 60° BTDC, set cranking timing to 15° and synchronized high RPM with laptop. Everything runs great except when I need to restart engine. It acts like I have a weak battery and sometimes stalls. I was told by Holley that I needed a bigger battery. I replaced mine with a 800 CCA. The problem didn’t go away. According to Ford the idle timing needs to be set between 6° & 12°, if I’m understanding it correctly. I know that can’t apply with my setup. Any thoughts or info would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Danny Cabral]

According to Ford the idle timing needs to be set between 6° & 12°, if I’m understanding it correctly. I know that can’t apply with my setup.

Read "Ignition Timing Advance": https://forums.holley.com/showthread...e-Tuning-Notes (EFI Idle Tuning Notes)

[[email protected]]

While working to get my timing synchronized today, I came this information and thought it could be very useful to others. It gives some very helpful information about distributor stabbing: https://www.w8ji.com/distributor_stabbing.htm

[Kirsh]

Hello! If I use "CD Box" Ignition Type without timing control I could skip "Synchronizing Ignition Timing" and "Enable Static Timing Set" parts? Thanks!

[Danny Cabral]

Correct. If it isn't an ECU controlled timing application, simply ignore the ECU timing related parameters.