1988 Gta. Built a 383 stoker, Stealth Ram, aluminum heads, just under 11:1 comp ratio. Had a chip burned. We did not install a knock sensor. I have really bad detonation, am running 93 octane, and octane boost. Stock distributor and an MSD coil, no 6AL installed. Basically a stock ignition.

Does the computer advance the timing until it senses a knock? Or Do I just need an MSD and distributor?

What determines the timing curve? The distributor, the computer, the chip?

What do I have to do to get my timing correct?

 

The spark adv is controlled by the spark table on the chip. The spark table assumes the initial timing was set right.
The initial timing is determined by how the dist was indexed. That can be checked the usual way with a timing light (once the tan wire has been disconnected).
The spark table determines the amount of adv by calculating the eng load from various sensors and RPM. With the spark table set-up correctly, the knock sensor should never sense a knock, but if it does, the timing gets retarded by the chip.

With the mods listed, the ONLY way you're gonna get the chip right is to datalog, review the data, modify the bin file (on the chip), datalog, review, modify bin file and so on. A wide-band 02 meter would be very helpful for this.
It takes a while to get it right.

Having someone burn a chip for you, with all the mods you have, and no data to review, is a crap-shoot at best.

Why didn't you install the knock sensor? It will help keep you from killing the eng while you dial in the spark and fuel.

 

ZZ28ZZ:

That was a phenomenal answer thank you! Next question, what do I have to do or purchase (equipment) to data log and burn my own chip?

 

If you have a laptop, you can download s/w that will monitor and record all the eng data (known as datalogging). I recently started using the TunerProRt s/w. It's pretty cool. It can be found here: http://www.tunerpro.net/downloadApp.htm

Moates.net has everything you need to connect the laptop to your ALDL (data connection under dash).
They also sell Wide Band 02 meter kits that will allow you to view your mixture in real time. I've also seen them (LC-1's) on ebay for ~$160.

You will also need a way to burn the chips or you can use an emulator that takes the place of your chip and allows you to make changes on the fly.

The DIY Prom message board (on this site) has a wealth of info.

 

Installed an MSD 6AL, set initial timing to 6*, no detonation runs like a champ!

 

All was great until I went to the track and car was a good second slower than I anticipated. Am now buying stuff from Moates to data log and tune for myself. Thanks for the help. I really appreciate it.