How much advance is best for power in a 4 valve? | FerrariChat
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How much advance is best for power in a 4 valve?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by snj5, Aug 1, 2004.

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  1. snj5

    snj5 F1 World Champ

    Feb 22, 2003
    10,213
    San Antonio
    Full Name:
    Russ Turner
    #1 snj5, Aug 1, 2004
    Howdy all
    Was advised by the FoSA Ferrari mechanic that my 3.2 4v would really respond better if I wound the ignition advance (Mallory/MSD) from the current 33 degrees at 3500 up to 38 degrees at 3800. I had heard earlier that with a 4v, I would lose hp by advancing that far. Does anyone know what the 348 challenge cars run to use as a benchmark or have any experience?

    Anecdotally, when the new distributor was put in, the mechanic road tested it unknowingly with 40 degrees of advance at 3500 and said it was so scary fast that he knew something must be wrong; but he was afraid of detonation on pump gas and went back to the stock setting after finding the 'excessive' advance.

    All advice welcome.
    best
    rt
     
  2. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,288
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
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    Brian Crall
    #2 Rifledriver, Aug 1, 2004
    I am confused,a 4V has no distributor except to distribute secondary voltage, it has no timing or advance functions. That is all handled by the Marelli ign. box. The European cars had a different advance curve that should have already been determined by Ferrari to be optimal. Ferrari is very good at not leaving horsepower on the table. You should also consider the fact that what they call the "base version" (the way they tuned for Italy) is done with much better gas than can be had in the states. All advanced curves for the entire world are programed into the ignition box that came in your car. It just takes someone that knows how to access it. It is very simple. If your guy doesn't know how he can contact me.
     
  3. snj5

    snj5 F1 World Champ

    Feb 22, 2003
    10,213
    San Antonio
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    Russ Turner
    #3 snj5, Aug 1, 2004
    Well, Rifledriver, you are exactly correct for a stock Marelli Microplex. I guess I should have mentioned for those who missed the conversion thread that I now have a single Mallory adjustable advance curve distributor and MSD. Well documented with photos in the archives. I'm trying to optimize the response. Currently with 12 degrees at idle and advancing fully to 33 degrees by 3500 rpm.
    many thanks
    rt
     
  4. 1975gt4don

    1975gt4don Formula Junior

    Nov 5, 2003
    665
    Peoples Rep of CA
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    Smog Exempt
    #4 1975gt4don, Aug 3, 2004
    Yup, your baby is slightly modified just a tad here and there :)


     
  5. snj5

    snj5 F1 World Champ

    Feb 22, 2003
    10,213
    San Antonio
    Full Name:
    Russ Turner
    #5 snj5, Aug 3, 2004
    Just talked to James at Norwoods and he says the 3 liter 4v TEC-3 guys are finding best advance around 32-33 degrees, so will probably hold at 33 until I find a dyno here in SA.

    Don: yes, a tad modified - all in good taste of course...
     

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