Ignition - Advance Basics

The quickest way to make the tape is to establish the TDC or 0 line and use a dial caliper to establish 2-degree increment lines from 10 degrees to 40 degrees. Then stick the tape to the balancer so that the TDC lines overlap and you're ready to go. It's that simple.

Electronic OptionsThere are several more high-tech ways to establish a very accurate and infinitely adjustable ignition curve that, of course, involve digital technology and bigger budgets. Crane, for example, has a street-oriented distributor for both Ford and Chevy motors that employs a fully electronic ignition-timing control unit. You choose from nine different mechanical-advance and three different vacuum-advance curves, dial them in on the face of the distributor, set your initial timing, and you're done. You can change these curves at any time very quickly. It's slick.

MSD also offers several options that start with the expensive but powerful programmable ignition-curve boxes such as the Digital 7-Plus and then down to Multi-Function ignition controllers, Vari-Curve controllers, and even simple digital retards for boosted or nitrous systems.

Ignition timing is a powerful way to control any engine but also to prevent the engine from damage as with knock retards. Understanding how all these systems work is a great way to get a leg up on making more power while ensuring that you're not going to break the motor just because the timing curve wasn't perfect. It all comes down to how much effort you want to put into making power.