HOMECategories in Auto RepairDiagnosing Car ProblemsHow to Improve Car Engine Performance for Free
How to Improve Car Engine Performance for Free
Written by lifang  
January 11, 2008 15:46

Introduction

Most cars come from the factory with ignition timing that is in the middle of the recommended range. On Hondas and Accords, this range can be 14 DTDC to 20 DTDC depending on the model/engine. In other words, you can advance the timing of your engine to the top limit of the recommended range, which can provide more HP and better mileage.

Things You'll Need

  • Typical hand tools including screwdrivers, wrenches and socket wrenches of necesssary.
  • Timing light.

Steps

1

Step One

Open hood! Locate the distributor. You should see that the distributor can be adjusted clockwise or counterclockwise (to advance or retard timing.) 2

Step Two

Research (online or at a dealership) on which direction advances the ignition timing. Sometimes this information is located on an information sheet under the hood. 3

Step Three

Loosen the bolts that hold the distributor. (not just the distributor cap.) 4

Step Four

Rotate the distributor to the direction to advance the timing. Only advance 1 degree at a time. It's easy to come back and advance little bit more, but harder to go back after advancing too much and damaging the valves and the piston heads. If you have a timing light, set the timing to the top limit of the factory recommended range. 5

Step Five

After adjusting the timing of the distributor, tighten the distributor bolts and go for a test drive. You should take the car up hills and accelerate quickly during the test drive. If you hear any pinging, you've advance the timing too much and you'll need to retard the timing. 6

Step Six

If you were able to advance the timing by 2~4 degrees, you should see improvement in HP and mileage. by advancing the timing you are increasing the compression in the piston chamber before detonation occurs. Higher compression equals more HP and more complete burn of the fuel.