Dynamic timing problem on 1980 sc

[grahamkissack]

I just finished a whole bunch of work on my 1980 sc targa (pics to come shortly) including new tensioners, rotor, cap and plugs so I had to retime it. Afterward, it felt great with good power from about 2500 rpm up and a really smooth idle.

Then I stumbled across the comment in Bentley that 80 to 83s should be timed with the vacuum hose disconnected. So I have retimed it and it now runs like crap. Poor power below 3000 rpm, no longer a smooth idle, I can't get the idle rpm above 600, and it does start as easily.

The original timing had the distributor rotated about 90% of the way clockwise while the vac line disconnected setting puts it in about the middle.

Thoughts? Which approach is right? Do I have a mixture issue instead?

Thanks, Graham

[grahamkissack]

Sorry...the new timing setting means the car isn't starting as easily.

[fred cook]

Did you disconnect both vacuum lines going to the distributor? If you only unplugged the advance line then you probably have the dist. at a retarded setting. Disconnect both vacuum lines from the distributor, plug them to avoid vacuum leaks and reset the timing. Also, be extra careful to make certain that you have your timing light attached to lead 1.

Good Luck!

Fred Cook
'80 911SC coupe

[grahamkissack]

So you're supposed to plug the disconnected vac lines...dohh! I guess that makes sense and guess what I didn't do. I'll give it another try tomorrow.

Thanks, Graham