Its not impossible,but not something just anyone can do but, nobody who has done it was so thrilled with it that it became something to put on the

List of stuff to do
to get it running good.

It can be adjusted but I don't remember how. It's not a simple process. It's probably not even worth your time. If you want better performance just tune your carb properly.

I haven't looked yet but does the stator have timing marks on it? Or just TDC? Maybe have to use a degree wheel and put my own marks on it...

I was thinking about slotting the p/u coil as well. If the timing doesn't need any tinkering then it's not worth it. But the old days with points and a adjustable plate it was a big deal. So what has changed?

Curious to see where the timing is at with the TDI in control.  

Of course, it will generally make the most power when it's advanced, but only up to a point. Retarding might give some advantages in the extreme low end of the rpm range (near stall), and should help prevent knocking.

Of course, what do I know, I'm the Cheap Newb!  

You could do the math...

Or you could just move it, and see if it works.

If it knocks easily at running temp and typical fuel and other conditions, you are too advanced.

If you lose power and fuel mileage, you are too retarded.

From what I gather, you might not want to push the knocking envelope too close. You might have harsh engine pressures but be just short of knocking, and not be able to tell it. I don't know about the sources though. It's just something I remember reading or something.

Just go by feel, and hope for the best.

Do the calculations if you wish and compare the numbers against industry standards for timing with similar conditions. However, that may take a lot of research.

As they say, the proof is in the pudding. If it works, it works.

Could there be something wrong, and you not notice it? Possibly. There are risks with anything.

I can say that it will probably be more sensitive to lugging with advanced timing.  

I am not an electrician or electronics specialist, but if you are saying that you know exactly how these things work, and that you can rewire this thing to use a variable resistor (I assume that's what a trimpot is) in order to adjust the timing electronically on the fly, then that would be cool.  

Maybe you can test it, and post the mod in the Tech Docs for us all to try.  

Savageman wrote on 01/05/16 at 21:14:31:


When you adjusted the points using a feeler gauge....there was a bit of error/play in the method, and as a result the points didn't always open at exactly the correct instant - therefore you had to rotate the distributor to get the timing proper.  Distributors also had a mechanical advance, and the springs and weights could be changed to alter the advance curve if needed.  (Today the pointless ignitions and electronic advance are not subject to those same variations).