Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Fuel timing how much is too much?

[cmonroe]

Guys I've been wanting to increase my fuel timing for a while now. I have a fairly well bombed 12v and I'm reving up-wards to 4000 rpm's. Now my timing is at 18 deg's, and I want to go to 24 deg's. The only thing is, this is my daily driver and from what I have gathered over 20 deg's can take out head gaskets. Can you guys stir me in the right direction? Thanks guys.

 

[Deezul1]

If you value your headgasket dont go much more than where you are. Hopefully Strick 9 will hop on this as he has some experience in this area. I understand the gains are minor and the risk is high when advancing much beyond where you are.

 

[CumminFast]

I am running near 40 degrees of timing on my truck and my friend is running up near 45. He has ran this timing for 8,000 miles and gets crazy fuel mileage w/ his QC dually. If you don't believe me call me and I will let you hear it rattle! Oh yeah and both of our heads are o-ringed. I am pretty sure you can run 24 degrees w/o blowing a headgasket.

 

[illflem]

How long do you have to crank to get it started with 40°?

 

[Jim Fulmer]

I have a fairly well bombed 12v ... ..... whew... ... Craig you crack me up, fairly bombed yea right Some of us only dream.



Jim

 

[CumminFast]

It takes around 5 seconds to get it going.

 

[Blakers]

Does anyone know how far a 24 valver advances? Just wondered.



Blake

 

[J.R. Adkins]

With lots of boost (50+) and high timing (20+) the stock head gasket will not live that long. I know this for a fact!







J. R.

 

[cmonroe]

Not looking to get crazy with the fuel timing. But other things to consider. I live over 9000 ft in elevation and the truck often has to start unsupported at -35 degrees. And it builds 52 pounds of boost.

 

[illflem]

Be careful, the intercooler is only rated to 50 psi

 

[cmonroe]

The head is O-ringed and ported, might that help to save the head gasket?

 

[J.R. Adkins]

What head gasket do you have? Is it the marine? If so with the o-rings you should be good to 60 psi.

 

[cmonroe]

No its a stock 12v head gasket. If by marine head gasket you are referring to the . 020 over gasket I'm afraid to run it. It would drop my compression so much I do not think it would start at -35 degrees.

 

[DavidTD]

Craig,



I run 24 degrees but limit my boost to about 42 PSI. With your o-ringed head you are probably ok BUT living where you live, I'm not sure I would sacrafice the cold starting ability by increasing beyond where you are.

 

[cmonroe]

Thanks guys, after considering the input and upgrading to 2000 cold cranking amps worth of batteries this weekend I think I'm going to try 20 and leave it there. The only reason I'm going to raise it is because this truck does see 3500+rpms daily.