This is not quite correct.  The coil fires when the points OPEN, not when they close, due to
the collapse of the magnetic field.  The dwell time influences the charge.  I do disagree with
Bulley a bit.  I think the gap makes more difference than he thinks.  First, lightning bolts do
not move at the speed of light.  Second, when the coil fires, the charge takes a period of time
to build at the plug and jump the gap.  The wider the gap, the longer the time.  It isn't going
to make a huge difference, but it will make some.

Bill

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ben McCafferty" <ben@VOLKSCAFE.COM>
>
> Well, yes and no.  Points have a dwell angle, which is the amount of time
> (in degrees) they are close enough together to arc and send spark out the
> rotor and dist. cap to the plug.  But if you consider that once set, dwell
> is a constant, then changing gap will in fact affect timing.  I'm basing
> this on experience only, so like you say, maybe an EE can jump in and help
> out.  Further, since you set timing based on plug #1 only, having different
> gaps in each cylinder can also cause problems.