With everything bone stock and a Vortech S-Trim with Aftercooler, what would be the timing retard per pound of boost that would provide the best safety for the engine? I was thinking somewhere between 1.5 and 2.0*/lb. May not make the most horsepower, but I'd like it to last at a year.

 

How much knock are you getting? If you are not getting knock then there is no need to pull timing.

 

I'm not done the installation yet, just curious to see what most people have it set at.

 

You adjustment will depend on the amount of knock you are getting. I would highly recommend getting a scanmaster to monitor you car while you are driving.

 

Yep, after reading all these posts, I think a scanmaster is going in next. Does putting in too much retard hurt or help the engine in any way?

 

Agreed.

I would also recommend at the minimum to put it on the dyno and check the A/F and listen for any knock. But the best for the car and reliability will be to do a good tune on the car. Then you won't even need to use the boost retard. Or else do an aggressive tune and use the retard for your street or daily driving.

 

I set my BTM at 1.5 degrees and tuned around that. Now if the car starts pinging a little, just turn the retard up. If I go to the track and buy some 100 octane, I can turn the retard down and really have some fun.

 

Thanks! I just got it started today. Really awesome! I set the retard somewhere between 1.5 and 2.0 and have had no problems yet. Runs like a dream. The aftercooler really drops the temperature of the air charge, I was surprised. Of course, it's evening and about 45 degrees... I'll leave the timing here until I can get it tuned, which brings up another question. Does anybody know anyplace in New Mexico that would have a clue about programming these cars? I'll probably have to drive it to Phoenix to get anyone who knows what they are doing. This state sucks for performance stuff. I'd rather take it to a dyno shop than send away for a program. I have to order everything through the internet.

 

Fun, isn't it?

 

Yeah but it can get extremely expensive.

 

Already have money saved for a rebuild when I need it. In the meantime, I have to find a way to get the gas pedal unglued from the floor! Totally smoked a Lancer Evo last night, feels real good! All wheel drive, who needs it!