For those who have advanced their timing... Options

[GotToyota]

I remember reading all over the place that if you advance the timing, you will get a bit more power/response, etc. How does one go about doing it? Does it at all affect the reliability of the car, or the efficiency? Will it harm my gas at all? I'd like to hear feedback from those that have done it.

[Project7afte]

Wow, I didn't know that much power could be gained by advancing your timing. I think I might put mine up to about 19 now, since I already use 93 fuel anyways.

[Batman722]

Wow, I didn't know that much power could be gained by advancing your timing. I think I might put mine up to about 19 now, since I already use 93 fuel anyways.

not with your 96. Only the 95 and under have an adjustable distributor.

[Project7afte]

Wow, I didn't know that much power could be gained by advancing your timing. I think I might put mine up to about 19 now, since I already use 93 fuel anyways.

not with your 96. Only the 95 and under have an adjustable distributor.

Are you sure about that? I have a Haynes repair manual that says all of them are adjustable, plus I'm taking it to my local Toyota dealer tomorrow to have it done since I don't feel like buying a timing light. They told me it could be done on my car earlier, but I'll verify that tomorrow.

[k-weaver]

Wow, I didn't know that much power could be gained by advancing your timing. I think I might put mine up to about 19 now, since I already use 93 fuel anyways.

not with your 96. Only the 95 and under have an adjustable distributor.

Are you sure about that? I have a Haynes repair manual that says all of them are adjustable, plus I'm taking it to my local Toyota dealer tomorrow to have it done since I don't feel like buying a timing light. They told me it could be done on my car earlier, but I'll verify that tomorrow.

No, 96 and up you cannot adjust the timing. The main reason is that the distributor doesn't turn, it can only go in one way. Also, I believe IF you were able to get it to turn (like put a 95 distributor on a 96) the ECU would correct the difference. I know this because I tried to advance mine on a 96 and was not able to because I couldn't move the distributor. Also, I checked the timing on mine and factory settings appear to be at 10 degrees above TDC (someone correct me if i'm wrong).