This isn't on an F-body....it's not even on a GM, but I thought you guys could answer my question. I have an '81 Toyota Supra, 2.8 l strait 6 that I am planning on turbocharging. It has fuel injection, and I already have fuel delivery issues figured out. The problem I come upon is 1) the engine has no knock sensor, and 2) the distributor is not electronically controlled, just good old fashioned vacuum advance. What would I need to do to the distributor/timing if I went turbo? I'm planning on running a Mallory 6 racing ignition setup, so spark shouldn't be a problem. Thanks for all your help.

 

Some older aftermarket vacuum advance units for turbo engines would retard timing based on boost.

 

There are boost controlled timing units available that you could use, MSD makes one, and Mallory probably does as well.

 

hey, thanks for your help. I don't know how much you chevy guys care, but I'll post some turbo pics up here when I get it in.

 

We don't care. It's all about cars and turbos are cool. Bring on the pics.

Brad...

 

The corvair's, the old (60's) turbo olds and assorted older saabs used a pressure based timing retard, I bet the actuators could be adapted to other distributors if you're creative.

For that matter, the electronic retard and KS setup used on some saabs is a stand alone unit that could be adapted to other ignitions (I know there is a site on fitting one to a volvo out there on the 'net somewhere).

Do you need a timing retard? My brother's Eaton blown 302 in his LTD is using an old school vacuum advance distributor with no retard at all runing about 10psi and compression in the high 8's...