Jay,

Funny you should mention ignition timing. I just joined the mailing list on
the 23rd. And one of my first entries was regarding setting the timing for
the 1.9L wasserboxer.

Anyway,  I have set my ignition timing at 8 degrees BTDC at idle,  with a
full advance of around 36-38 degrees.

There are 2 ways to set the timing.
1) use a timing light with an advance setting dial and set to 37-degrees
2) bypass the idle stabilizer unit and connect the two pieces together
3) raise rpms to 4-thousand rpms
4) loosen distributor clamp and turn distributor so that the v in the pully
lines up with the case half
5) tighten clamp and recheck timing
6) timing at idle should be around 5-8 degrees BTDC

To set the timing at IDLE with a timing gun at idle
1) by pass the idle stabilizer
2) connect timing light w/ advance and set to 8 degrees
3) loosen distributor clamp and rotate so that the cars runs at a lightly
higher rpm
4) screw in the idle set screw on the throttle body to slow  the rpms back
down to near 950 rpms
5) the timing shoulfd be at 6-8 degrees BTDC, if not keep advancing the
distributor until the v in the pully lines up with the case half.
6) the rpms will continually rise as you advance the timing. You must keep
adjusting the idle circuit on the throttle body to keep the rpms at 950rpms
7) You know you are finished when the gun shows the v at the case half, the
dial on the gun shows 8-degrees advance andthe rpms are around 950rpms or so

I've done this to my 85 westy and it has alot more bottom end, better power
range and seems to run cooler. Mileage is unchanged.

I live in the mountains where steep hills can slow a vanagon down, But with
these timing settings I can cruise up some steep grades and only have to
drop it down into third.

If you have any questions. Let me know

Malibu Tony