Because of the advance curve characteristics and dynamics of the
1.9distributor, advancing the timing mark to 7 or 10 degrees will
indeed
enhance the power - but you will definitely get pre-ignition (pre-detonation
or "pinging" [the british call it "pinking"]).  Such a situation will
provide the optimum conditions for the burning of exhaust valves - it
happened to me.  Generally, if the 1.9 distributor is "tired" with it's
mechanical advance, moving from the stock 5 degrees AFTER TDC to 0 TDC is
acceptable, but anything further advanced is asking for trouble and will
eventually empty your wallet.

With my "tired" distributor, I generally run mine at about 2 degrees AFTER
TDC.

Check my site for the proper specs:

83-84: http://www.oldvolkshome.com/ignition.htm#V8384

1985: http://www.oldvolkshome.com/ignition.htm#V1985

One more thing to keep in mind when timing any vehicle.  The specs the
factory provides is essentially a "guide" for new distributors right off the
shelf.  An experienced mechanic knows that a distributor with a lot of
mileage is to be timed as close to the original spec, but will allow some
*slight* difference in the final timing for the engine to actually run
properly within it's wear specification.
--
Jim Thompson
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
73 K Ghia Coupe "Denise"
72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
oldvolkshome@gmail.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
**********************************
On 11/18/06, Geza Polony <gezapolony@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>
> Make sure to disconnect the idle stabiliser and put the two plugs together
> before trying to time it. Otherwise, the idle stabiliser will try to move
> your timing around all over the place and you can't do it. If you can't
> get
> it to idle that way, you might need to turn the screw on the throttle body
> until it does idle.
>
> If you advance the timing a bit, you get better power. Try 7 to 10 degrees
> BTDC. I've heard it said that you might not pass smog tests this way,
> however.
>
> The Bentley manual is pretty thorough. Westfalia.org has some good tips as
> well.