Retarding Ignition Timing

[Adger Smith]

Originally Posted by John T

We run our timing locked at 38 degrees. I have been told that if I retard the timing a couple of degrees at the end of the track after going into high gear the car should pick up.

I have always heard that you increase the timing at higher RPM to assure that the spark plug fires early enough to keep up with the increased piston speed. Can someone explain to me why retarding the timing a couple of degrees at the end of the track would help pick the ET up?

The only stocker I ran was a 69 z-28 back in the early 70's. Before all the MSD & electronic ignition. I did the retard by using a dual point dist. The dwell on the second set of points could be varied to give the right amount of retard. I actuall actuated it with a switch on the shifter when it went to 3 rd gear. (engine load increased at that point)
You may have been told to retard the timing, but I think that is only part of what needs to be done. I got best results by advancing the timing when the engine was accelerating quicker(rate) in first & second. Then bring it back to the best power setting in 3 rd & 4 th. I've done the same with my old Modified cars & am doing something similar with my V-6 SS. It is quite a bit easier to do with all the electronics on the market today. I think there was an discussion on Speed Talk forum about required timing. You might do a search over there.
Every combination is different, it takes testing. Study the incrementals.