I need some education on the above matter...

What I thought.....
Setting a base timing amount: say 6 deg btdc with ecm lead disconnected. Is the correct and only way. Why are others going to like 8 deg. 10 deg. etc.?

I thought that initial timing is just to get the motor started. When the ecm is added, the timing is governed by the timing/fuel tables in the ecm? this is why my scanner shows things like 23 deg. advance while being scanned.

What should I look for on my scanner to indicate proper timing?

 

I moved my base timing above 6 degrees only because I am still running the stock chip. It made a noticable difference in my car, when I get to the track I will even play with base timing there and see what it does for MPH. Although once I start playing with custom chips etc...I will probably go back to the base setting of 6 degrees as I believe that is what most chip burners would probably base there changes off of.
Basically I am just tinkering with base timing right now since it is free horsepower (maybe) with the stock chip, only the track will tell me for sure.
Some of the older mag articles when these cars were new talked about bumping up the base timing and claimed it made a difference, of course with a custom chip it would be unnecessary.
It was also a popular thing to do with the 5.0 mustangs in the mid to late 80's when those cars were new.
Just something to play with in my opinion, in actuality, you will probably find more gains with custom chip tuning. Larry.