I just wanted to point out some things
regarding the message below.
1) the stock setting is 5 degrees after top dead center
2) full advance according to bentley is around 27-31 degrees.
3) However when you advance your timing for performance the settings become
   6 degrees BTDC at idle and 42 degrees full advance ( vacuum lines all
connected)
4) your throttle body idle speed screw will be about a half a turn from
fully screwed in
5) I reccomend turning the idle up a little bit ( manual only) to help
preventing
   balking following a long decelleration.
6) I've had my 85' Westy timed like this for years with no problems  ( 137K
original everything)
7) I have had no pinging ever ( using 87 octane  Chevron and Mobil)
8) I reccomend changing the timing to zero degrees TDC, and then if you like
that go ahead and
   advance the timing to 6 degrees BTDC ( remember the TDC timing mark is
the shallow groove-
   not the v-notch on the 1.9 L water cooled motors.
9) I consulted pro mechanics and got the ok before advancing my timing.
10) this is only for water cooled, air cooled will have to stay near the
stock setting, maybe
    cheat a few degrees of advance, but that is it!

Hope this clears things up

MAlibu Tony 85' Westy 6 degrees BTDC ( for years) 42 degrees full advance

----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Cotsford" <Cotsford@aol.com>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, April 30, 2001 7:33 AM
Subject: Re: Digijet timing

> HI all,      On the question of ignition timing I would urge you to use
> caution when advancing the timing past specs.
> When the timing is too advanced then "pinking" or "pinging" can occur
which
> is detonation too early and it can be damaging to your engine.     It will
be
> most noticeable at low rpm when accelerating.    I am leery of this with
the
> poor quality gas we sometimes encounter.
> On the other side of this, VW probably retarded the ignition to meet
> emissions specs and so the book timing is too retarded for maximum power.
> Try advancing a degree at a time past 5 BTC and check for pinging.   Then
> back off a degree or two if you encounter this.     When the engine is
very
> hot (too hot) this pinging will occur earlier.     In Europe, often 10
> degrees BTC is used but the gas has a higher octane level.
> Check the maximum advance too.    This should be about 30 degrees BTC or
> perhaps a little more (vacuum advance disconnected).   Maybe another
listee
> has a more accurate figure for this.
> As the vehicle spends most of its life at full advance, this is the figure
> you want to get right.
> Steve Cotsford
>