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MG MGA - MGA Timing

I've used static timing for years without any complaints. I recently purchased a timing light with setback, so am now ready to do some serious fiddling, in spite of not having anything to complain about. But that's why we bought these things, right ?

I've found a variety of references on how to set dynamic timing for our machines, but still feel a little woozy. What I have gleaned so far (mostly from Barney's pages):

1. Set dynamic timing to 12 (conservative) to 20 (aggressive) deg BTDC at 800 RPM
2. Disconnect and plug vacuum advance
3. Check that dynamic timing at 3500 RPM does not exceed 34-36 deg BTDC
4. Test drive and listen for pinking (knocking), retard timing if necessary

Some questions, of course !

The only "knob" we have is to turn the distributor, so I assume that if the high RPM setting is off, then you need to start looking at the mechanics of the distributor. Is this correct ?

How about the vacuum advance ? How do you verify that this part of the system is working correctly ?

Finally, I have a Judson supercharger on my Mk II. Anything different I need to do in that case ? It has the 1930's vintage Ford Holey carb, so I have guessed about the vacuum port. Hopefully the fuel separator is not needed in this case, as the line is a different size from the SUs.

Thanks for any help !

-Chuck

Chuck Mosher

Set your timing to 28 to 30 degrees with the vacuum plugged at about 3500 rpm to create max advance on your engine. The reason for this is when your engine is running and the timing will advance, you do not want it to go over that 30 degree mark to prevent pinging. At idle it won't really matter as you do not have your engine under load. Your carb is from a early 50's Ford truck.

I also have a Judson Supercharger on my 1600 MGA which now has a 1800v engine with a Serra 5 speed trans and a 3.9. My car is a freeway cruiser. I hope you enjoy your new toy on your car.

Jeff Becker
61 MGA Judson Supercharger
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
JEFF BECKER

This thread was discussed on 01/03/2009

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