Older vehicles with distributor-based ignition systems need their timing checked on a regular basis, otherwise you can have a host of problems. Starting becomes difficult, idling will be rough, ...

Ignition timing is like seasoning: some is good, but too much ruins the results. Bumping up the ignition timing on pushrod 5.0s is a time-honored trick to wake up the under-hood lump. The EFI system ...

There is probably not a single reader of this magazine who does not want his or her Pontiac's engine to perform to its best ability regardless of its number of cylinders or cubic inches. To reach that ...

Improving fuel economy or gaining horsepower means making the engine more efficient. Fuel economy or maximum power is only obtainable when the correct air/fuel mixture or ratio (a richer mixture for ...

Find out what triggers detonation and pre-ignition, why ignition timing really matters, and how these problems can seriously damage your engine.

According to NGK, adding 10 degrees of ignition timing at idle will raise the spark plug temperature anywhere from 180- to 210 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that adding just one degree of ignition ...

In a perfect world there would be no need for ignition advance curves. As soon as the piston in your vintage Vette reached top dead center and the engine built maximum compression, you'd be able to ...

Hello Richard, I understand the anxiety caused when you see the check engine light or MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) on your dashboard. This amber light can mean a range of faults that affect ...

There are several instances where knowing the location of cylinder number 1 matters, especially for DIY enthusiasts. It's not just trivia, but crucial when diagnosing engine misfires, replacing spark ...