(The Steeda installation is common for all installations. However, you should ALWAYS follow the explicit installation instructions for your particular adjuster!)

Q) What is ignition timing?

A) The ignition system on your car has to work in perfect concert with the rest of the engine. The goal is to ignite the fuel at exactly the right time so that the expanding gases can do the maximum amount of work. If the ignition system fires at the wrong time, power will fall and gas consumption and emissions can increase. When the fuel/air mixture in the cylinder burns, the temperature rises and the fuel is converted to exhaust gas. This transformation causes the pressure in the cylinder to increase dramatically and forces the piston down.

Q) So how does ignition timing affect the performance of my mustang?

A) In order to get the most torque and power from the engine, the goal is to maximize the pressure in the cylinder during the power stroke. Maximizing pressure will also produce the best engine efficiency, which translates directly into better mileage. The timing of the spark is critical to success.

There is a delay between the ignition of the spark plug and the time when the fuel/air mixture is consumed. At which point the pressure in the cylinder reaches its maximum. If the spark occurs immediately prior to TDC (Top Dead Center) the piston will have already begun it's journey back down as part of the power stroke. This will be prior to the gases in the cylinder have reached their highest pressures. This would make for a very inefficient process.

To make the best use of the fuel, the spark should occur before Top Dead Center. So by the time the piston starts down into its power stroke the pressures are high enough to start producing useful work.

Work = Force * Distance

In a cylinder:

Force = Pressure * Area of the piston
Distance = Stroke length

So when we're talking about a cylinder, work = pressure * piston area * stroke length. And because the length of the stroke and the area of the piston are fixed, the only way to maximize work is by increasing pressure.

Q) So can I change my ignition timing for more power or better emissions?

A) Yes. The timing of the spark is important, and the timing can either be advanced or retarded depending on conditions.

The time that the fuel takes to burn is roughly constant. But the speed of the pistons increases as the engine speed increases. This means that the faster the engine goes, the earlier the spark has to occur. This is called spark advance: The faster the engine speed, the more advance is required.

Other goals, like minimizing emissions, take priority when maximum power is not required. For instance, by retarding the spark timing (moving the spark closer to the top of the compression stroke), maximum cylinder pressures and temperatures can be reduced. Lowering temperatures helps reduce the formation of nitrogen oxides (NO_x), which are a regulated pollutant. Retarding the timing may also eliminate knocking; some cars that have knock sensors will do this automatically.

Q) Ok, so what is a timing adjuster?

A) A timing adjuster is a device that adjusts the timing of the spark to better suit your performance needs. The Timing Adjuster uses a unique method to alter the timing of the vehicle. The computer determines what position the engine is at by using a small magnetic sensor. Steeda moves that sensor out of the engine and suspends it near a toothed wheel attached to the front of the drive pulley. That toothed wheel can then be rotated with respect to that pulley which advances or delays the computers perception of where the engine is in its' cycle. It's a mouthful and sounds precarious, but due to the construction of the parts, it works flawlessly

Q) Where can I buy a timing adjuster and how much is it?

Q) What’s the difference in UPR’s timing adjuster and Steeda's?

A)The basic idea of the Timing Adjusters is virtually the same. The only difference is that the adjustable part on the UPR piece is the one holding the magnetic sensor and it only requires loosening two bolts to adjust. The only other discernable difference is the price. Materials and manufacturing processes are unknown at this time and further conjecture on these would be out of place in this FAQ.

Q) Okay! I bought my timing adjuster, now how do I adjust my timing?

A) Adjusting the timing adjuster once it's installed is a snap. First you need to bump the starter by momentarily turning your key to the "Start" position. You're trying to get the markings on the timing adjuster in an easy to read position. Once you've managed that, remove the key and put the car in fifth gear (or Park on an automatic).

Now there are three bolts that need to be loosened. The only need to be loose enough that the silver toothed wheel on the front of the timing adjuster can be rotated. It should still be stiff though.

Rotate the silver toothed wheel until the leading corner of the tooth with the mark on it lines up with the desired timing.

Now just tighten your bolts down and you're done.

Once you pick a timing and decide to stick with it, you should use a thread locking compound on each of the bolts. Do them completely, one at a time to preserve the timing you had. That should prevent them from rattling loose within a thousand miles.

The stock timing is set to 10. To find your ideal timing you should slowly move the timing up a degree or two at a time, then drive the car for a while. When you hear detonation, back it off a degree or two and you'll be fine.

That's it? Yep, simple as that.

Code’s Info

With today’s software, timing adjusters are useless. Do not waste your money on these.