Quote Originally Posted by wepsbee View Post
Running at the Glen this weekend had a so so prac/qual. Tied last years fastest time 0f 2:34. Not very good for experienced drivers and only mildly dissappointing for new drivers.
Discussed issue with crew and an idea to change timing came up. I have a 1.8L Mazda engine in a Ford Escort. Changed to 18 deg from 16. Stock is 10. During the race I found some new power and was now shifting into 5th in the back straight. Never did that before. I dropped my fastest time to a 2:28!! Moved up 4 or 5 places. I did try to be more aggressive on the turns but I think the car probably deserves more credit than the driver. Will this change have any negative effects on the engine?
If you want to tune it Dan, bring it to us. Dyno time is great. I have found that even less advance is the sweet spot for power in my car.

No adverse affects, actually, you have brought it into a 'safer' zone.