If i just measures ignition timing at idle, not hooking of anything, what should the reading be?

I have an 1986 z28, LG4 engine. I have not a sticker under my hood....

What is the symptoms if the ignition timing is too advanced? Sounds?

Haynes books says that the sticker should tell me what the ignition timing should be, but i can`t find any info in my car.

What`s the best way of setting the idle ignition timing? Does it hurt too advance it a little bit?Gaining some power?

 

Overadvanced timing will cause a pinging/knocking sound. With nothing disconnected timing should be in the 10-15 area. The best way to set it is to disconnect the esc wire and set it at 0.

Generally advancing the timing a little will do no harm, however if you go to far and get pinging you will do serious engine damage rather quickly. Your best bet is to start of retarted and advance it a degree or two and a time untill you get pinging and then back it off.

One other thing i forgot to mention. The pinging occurs with a loaded condition so you have to take it out and drive it after each adjustment. You wont be able to tell if it will ping with it sitting in your driveway.

 

The sticker would have said zero degrees. It is set to that with the flat 4-wire connector from the distributor disconnected.

6 degrees typically doesn't hurt anything, and helps it run a little better. If you are using a timing light, start at 2 degrees, see how it runs after driving it awhile, then try 4, etc.

The problem with using pinging as a guide is the knock sensor can be retarding the timing before you hear anything. You may be losing performance with too much advance without ever hearing any pinging.