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.

[Batman722]

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.

yes I'm sure about that.
take it to a dealer so they can advance your timimg ?

[DEATH]

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.

yes I'm sure about that.
take it to a dealer so they can advance your timimg ?

X2 You can turn it just like any other distributer on any year of these cars but the ecu is just gonna put the timing right back where it wants it on the 96+ [Experience with numerous GTs anyway - can't speak for the STs].
Furthermore, changing the timing is easily done by anyone with a light and a Haynes manual the problem is you can run into problems if you don't know what you're doing. You can't just run any old timing you want - there are things like knock to consider.
I agree with Batman on his other point too - what Toyota dealership is gonna advance your timing from what the BGB says?

This post has been edited by DEATH: Sep 20, 2008 - 1:05 PM