[Diy_efi] 305/350 Swap 10-month Progress Report...

[Marcello A. Belloli]

     I had to think on this one for a bit before replying.  I'm curious if
when you had the timing retarded, did you test the NOx levels?  Was
there any reduction?  The dyno testing is under a pretty decent load.
 You should be able to maintain your fuel economy while retarding
your timing.  There are basically too kinds of advance - mechanical,
and vacuum.  Pull back the mechanical timing, and at the same time
increase your vacuum advance to compensate for what you pulled out
under low load condtions.  That way you only get the timing reduction
when you are under a load, and producing NOx.  You can have your cake
and eat it too.  I know putting a CAT on will fix your car in the
short term, very short term from what we are seeing here in
California.  Aftermarket replacement CATs just can't handle it for
very long.  Test your car three months from now, and you'll know what
I'm talking about.  I'm glad to see you've gotten past the smog
hurdle for now.  I am with you all the way on getting through smog. 
Sometimes it's what works to just get it done.  Good Luck!  Marcello