ignition · FF-0289

How much ignition timing should a supercharged Flathead run?

Steve says a naturally aspirated Flathead wants around 22 degrees total, and a supercharged engine is typically backed off about a degree per pound of boost. This engine ran about 18 degrees total: a distributor set up for 14 degrees of centrifugal advance plus about 4 degrees initial. He thinks the idle might clean up with 6 degrees initial instead of 4, and that with the smaller pulley the total could even have been a little less. The spark plugs, as read by the dyno operator, showed the timing was right for the test.

Expert

Steve Coppock

Evidence

expert attributed

Component

ignition timing

Applicable scope

Steve Coppock's supercharged 8BA-style Ford Flathead V8, about 290 cubic inches, on the engine dyno at Klein Engines