Questions and Answers

Chevrolet Silverado Ignition Timing Q. Dear Vincent, I have a 1988 Chevrolet Silverado K-1500 with a 350 engine and automatic transmission. The mileage is 126,000 and the engine was completely rebuilt at 97,000. It has TBI, P/S, A/C and cruise control. I recently installed a Platinum Gas Saver device to increase my gas mileage. The installation instructions say to set the ignition timing to 10° to 12° BTDC to achieve the maximum benefit of the Platinum Gas Saver system.

My questions to you are:

1) Would 12° of advance be detrimental to my engine?
2) What is the maximum "safe" amount of advance for my engine?

The underhood sticker specifies the timing be set at 0° BTDC at idle in PARK. The octane rating of the fuel I'm using is 87, which is raised by the addition of the platinum to the air/fuel mix.

Thank you,
Chris

A. I would drive it at factory specs first to establish a baseline for fuel mileage and power. After a couple of tankfuls of gas try bumping up the timing by following the factory setting procedure on the underhood label. I would go a couple of degrees at a time so you don't hurt anything. It will almost surely ping at 12° and that will kill the engine.