I've just begun using Craig's software via laptop, and I had a few knock counts the other day, so I pulled timing.
First I went from 8* to 3*, still knock revving in park, so I backed off to 0*, still knock revving in park.
So I went for a drive. Attached is a simple graph, if you need more info, I'll include more if it helps. BTW, I didn't include knock or retard on this graph simply because it doesn't happen anywhere near max advance.(false knock perhaps?)
Hope someone can help
Thanks

 

So everyone's timing looks like this?
Really, I have no idea if this is abnormal or not, but it looks abnormal

 

I think your spark data is normal.
I have attached a chart of my Goodwrench 350 TPI-SD spark advance/RPM/MAP values as recorded on a short drive. It looks similar to (but a little smoother than) yours. I suspect if I had a higher frequency sample rate, mine would also exhibit a more jagged appearence. I attribute the nervous advance changes at idle to the ECM trying to keep the idle constant, as the IAC is not responsive enough for that function.
Regarding the knock counts, I have noticed that most of mine ocur at engine start-up, and appear to be "false". I have not tried the driveway revving search for knock counts, and think maybe what you have seen is related to the start-up syndrome.

 

Hi Chev,
Though I do get a couple of knock counts on startup, all the rest are true knock counts. I even disconnected the EST conn. and I can rev the snot out of it and get NO knock counts at all. The chart is of an actual drive, BTW., sorry I didn't clarify. What I don't understand is why when I let off the throttle does the advance go skyrocketing towards 38*?, almost like the advance curve is an inverse of throttle??
Anyone???

 

The spark table in your .bin file is based on rpm vs load. When you let off the throttle, the load goes way down, and the computer puts more timing in. When an engine is under a very heavy load, it will not accept as much timing before detonating. When your under less load (highway cruise, decel, etc), the engine will want more timing to burn the fuel, as it is producing less heat to "help" the combustion process, and under certain conditions like hiway mode, it needs timing to burn the leaner a/f. If you were to look at your .bin file's timing curve, you will see a much lower value for total timing at W.O.T (high load) than you would expect.

Also, if you are just stabbing the throttle from idle, in neutral, you will get knock. The engine will rev faster than the fuel can react, and will go lean temporarily, but the spark will go up (no load), and bingo, spark knock.

 

Thanks alot Goneracin,
thats exactly the info I was looking for. VERY HELPFUL!