loud motor = happy motor?

[am018]

As a genral rule as taught to me by my grandfather who was setting
ignitions by ear at the start of this century an over advanced ignition
always sounds more powerfull -- this could be partially explained (I think)
by the fact that it will pick up revs more quickly when reved out of gear.
On few cars I have come across (Lotus Elans which had only 20 crank
degrees of mechanical advance)   retarded igntion has caused pinking ---- I
suspect due to hot spots forming from excess rejected heat.




Michael Kent wrote:

> While fiddling around with my ignition timing maps I've noted a
> significant increase in the induction noise as I bring the timing up.
> Over 3000r's, past the stock torque peak, the motor seems pretty
> rattle-proof and I'm wondering if the timing is actually over advanced,
> causing work to be done against the piston...
>
> Timing at light load is up to 55 deg and WOT is no more than 40,
> usually more like 34.
>
> thanx,
>
> MK