Thanks for the info John. It is frustrating that these engine management systems are not more user friendly. It sounds like CC had a good idea with the magnetic pick-up crank triggered ignition. These are the most accurate & reliable systems around but I wish there was some adjustability to them.
It seems to me that DAK performance is about where 5.0L mustang performance was in 1989. Nobody new how to work with the EEC IV computers and weren't sure what effect modifications would have on performance and driveability. Today custom programming of the Ford EEC IV computers is a normal thing to fully take advantage of ones modifications for maximum power and still maintain good driveability. I have a 1991 LX 5.0 that I have had since late 1991. I have been through all of this before with it. I started modifying and modifying and modifying...pretty soon my car ran fast as hell but wouldn't hardly idle and the check engine light came on frequently. I tried everything I could to trick the computer but it just held the performance of the car back and never really helped its driveability. Next, I tried a hypertech chip, which improved the driveability and increased the 1/4 mi time by two tenths (approx 20hp gain). Finally, I decided there had to be more performance i!
n my car than I was seeing.....B
OY WAS I RIGHT....when I got a custom program for my specific modifications (heads, cam, intake, exhaust, etc) my mustang really started to fly! I picked up 5 tenths and 5 mph in the 1/4mi over the hypertech chip!
My Stang now consistantly runs 11.50's @ 118+mph!
It also runs like it did when it was new, smooth idle, 18mpg in town, 22mpg hwy (w/3,73 gears) and still has the A/C, and I haven't seen a check engine light since.
-james
'98 RC R/T
>>> "John B. Youngblood" <johnb@cs.tamu.edu> 05/07 10:30 PM >>>
> Hi, guys...this may sound like a stupid question, but is there a way to
> manually set the base timing on the 5.2/5.9 magnum V8's with a inductive
> timing light?
The factory service manual says you can't and shouldn't try to do it.
Ignition timing is controlled by the computer taking input from the
crankshaft position sensor, camshaft position sensor, throttle position
sensor, and manifold absolute pressure sensor. Quoting the FSM:
"CAUTION: Base ignition timing is not adjustable on any engine.
Distributors do not have built in centrifugal or vacuum assisted advance.
base ignition timing and timing advance are controlled by the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM). Because a conventional timing light can not be used
to adjust distributor position after installation, note position of
distributor before removal." - 97 FSM p.8D-20
I guess the only way to adjust the timing is to buy an MP SBEC...
Hope this helps - John Youngblood - 97 CC 318 5spd
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