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As we all know, more spark advance results in more power, until the point where the fuel starts pre-detonating (pinging). So the key in create a performance spark curve is more advance. This includes more initial advance, more vacuum advance and earlier centrifugal advance. In no case should the optimum total advance for full-throttle high RPM use be exceeded. This varies by engine type and cylinder head design. Note that if you dial in more initial advance, it will push the total advance, so proceed with caution.
Contents |
Overview
Gasoline engines like lots of advance at part throttle ... but cannot tolerate as much at full throttle. That's why vacuum advance is used, to advance the timing further than normal under part throttle (high vacuum).
For example, if you set the static (base) timing to 20 degrees BTDC at idle, the engine will love it! Unfortunately, at higher RPMs when mechanical advance is added, such a high amount of total advance can damage the engine at full throttle. Instead set it to 10 degrees at 700 RPM and let the vacuum advance pull it to 20+ degrees. Vacuum advance drops to 0 at full throttle so it won't over-advance the engine. This is why the stock systems work as they do.
But you can improve on the stock timing settings. At the very least you can blueprint the distributor spark curves to be on the better side of the factory tolerance.
And even more important for maximum horsepower, you can determine the maximum total advance that works best for your engine (generally around 32 degrees for an A12, or 36 degrees for an L20B). Then you can re-curve the distributor for your engine.
Setting Total Timing
When you install a distributor that has not been measured -- such as a replacement stock distributor, or swapping in one from an A14 or other engine -- once installed you should set the total timing:
Measured at 4800 RPM A12: 32 degrees total A14: 34 degrees total
METHOD 1: degreed flywheel
- Get a 360-degree tape strip for a 139 mm Crankshaft Pulley. Or print this out at 100%:
-
- Wrap strip around pulley, and mark edge of pulley with paint at 28, 30, 32, and 34 degrees
- Set timing at full advance. Connect timing light and run engine at 4800 RPM while checking timing marks. Turn engine off, rotate distributor appropriate number of degrees, then repeat high RPM check
Finish by verifying engine does not knock/ping via Ear Test.
METHOD 2: by ear
- Disconnect and plug vacuum advance line so it will not advance the timing
- Set initial timing to 2 degreees stock setting
- Road test car at full throttle.
- * If it pings at full throttle, set distributor back degree and repeat test
- If it does not ping, advance 2 degrees and repeat test
- Reconnect vacuum advance line, and test for pinging at light throttle
INITIAL TIMING
After setting the total timing, turn engine to TDC, then rotate engine until points open (or EI teeth align). This is your new static setting.
Emission Control
To reduce certain types of emissions, many Datsun engines introduce transmission gear-selected spark advance cut-out (TCVAS). This is not good for performance, so generally only works in top gear after the car has already accelerated up to speed.
Each year, and in each region, different advance parts (both mechanical and vacuum advance) were fitted to juggle emissions of one type vs another.
Initial Timing
Most engines run OK on 5 to 10 degrees initial (base or static) timing. which is not enough to cause starting problems, and will still deliver decent power at the low idling speed.
Datsun 1200 distributors are designed for 7 or 5 degrees initial timing. Distributors with 7 have less mechanical advance. With either distributor, the total timing ends up the same.
Because this initial figure is factored into the distributor advance curves, do not advance initial timing setting at risk of exceeding the maximum advance at high RPM.
The distributors for emission controlled A12s are designed for 5 degrees base timing. These distributors have more mechanical advance to make up for the lesser base timing, so you get the same Total advance at high RPM.
Total Timing
The total advance timing is the base timing + the mechanical timing. This tops out at 28-32 degrees at between 4200-4800 RPM. 32° is a safe amount of timing for the A12 at full throttle, and won't damage the engine. But if you exceed this it *may* (or may not) cause overheating and/or predetonation which can break the pistons.
Vacuum advance only works when there is high vacuum, so it does nothing at full throttle. It is not considered in the "total" timing, but adds more timing (and thus more power) at part-throttle conditions.
Determining Optimal
One method you can use to determine the total advance your engine can use you can do at home. Be sure to use a quiet exhaust system so you can hear detonation (or use Detonation Cans, search google for this).
First set it the base timing to stock specification, and plug the vacuum advance line while driving the car.
1. Get the engine to 4400 RPM then floor the throttle and ensure it does not ping. If you use the lower gears (2nd or 3rd), going up a hill will put a good load on the engine. Be careful not to exceed speed limits or put pedestrians at risk.
2. Now advance the timing 2 degrees and repeat the high RPM load test. Listen carefully and do not let it ping for more than it takes to hear it. If it does not ping, repeat Steps 1-2.
3. If it pings, retard timing 1 degree and verify that it no longer pings. Congratulation, you have found the maximum timing for your engine. Make a note of this setting. Better yet, degree the crank pulley and find the total advance figure.
Now it gets complicated. The mechanical (RPM-related) advance curve may be too quick or too slow for your engine.
With the timing at your "optimum max", repeat Step 1 at various lower RPMs. Try 400 RPM increments.
- If you find an RPM at which it pings, the 'curve' is coming on too fast.
- If it doesn't ping at any RPM, the curve may be too slow. You can determing this by advancing the timing 1 degree, and see at which full-load RPM it first starts pinging.
If needed, modify the mechanical advance curve.
Finally, hook up the vacuum advance hose. Now try some part throttle driving. If it pings at any point, the vacuum advance curve is too much. Modify the vacuum can as necessary, or at least back off the timing until it no longer pings.
Note that using high-octane fuel may allow the timing to be advanced 1 or 2 degrees further than regular fuel.
Also differences in the A-type cylinder heads will make a difference. Quench heads (closed chamber) can a take a bit more advance. Open chamber heads may ping sooner and so need to be less advanced.
Total Advance Comparison
Total advance is the initial + centrifugal at full throttle. Because it is full-throttle, the vacuum advance is zero.
A12 typical 32 A14 typical 36
1969 B10/KB10 A10 8° + 13x2 = 34° total 1971 B110 A12 PT 12° + 1970 B110 A12 CAN 7° + 12.5x2 = 32° total 1973 B110 A12 USA 5° + 13.5x2 = 32° total 1974 B210 A13 USA 5° + 13.5x2 = 32° total 1977 B210 A14 USA 10° + 14°x2 = 38° total * possibly the larger bore can take more advance? 1978 B210 A14 CAN MT (D4A7-02) 10° + 10°x2 = 30° 1978 B210 A14 CAN AT (D4A7-03) 10° + 10°x2 = 30° 1978 B210 A14 USA 1982 CAN A12A 12° + 10°x2 = 32° total D4A80-02 1982 CAN A14 7° + 11.5x2 = 30° total * emission-control limited 1982 CAN A15 12° + 12x2 = 36° total 1982 USA A12A 9° + 11.5x2 = 32° total D4K81-01 1982 USA A14 7° + 11.5x2 = 30° total 1982 USA A15 7° + 11.5x2 = 30° total 1974 620 L18 USA 34° total * different combustion characteristics than A-series
NOTE: The distributor curves are listed in each Datsun Factory Service Manual. Some show a graph, others have the curve specs in the text (without illustration).
NOTE: As implemented in many Datsun distributors, "curve" is nominal. The mechanical advance varies practically in a straight line through the RPM range.
Advance Characteristics
For a factory stock Datsun 1200, including 1.5" exhaust, curves in graphical chart form are presented below.
NOTE: The charts show distributor angle in degrees. Multiply by two to get degrees at the crankshaft pulley.
All A-series distributors have similar curves, but vary a little by year and model. Check your Factory Service Manual for your specific model and year to find the curve for your distributor. NOTE: on the side of the distributor is the model number. Mine is D412-63.
Mechanical Advance
Mechanical or centrifugal advance is varied solely by the RPM of the engine. Gasoline engines need a little advance when idling (typically 7 degrees) but a lot at higher RPMs (typically around 35 degrees, but depends on the cylinder head design and size of bore). This is called advance because the spark occurs before the piston approaches the top of the cylinder and the power stroke begins. This is called Before Top Dead Center (BTDC). The advance allows time for the combustion to get going to power the piston down with maximum force.
For the A12, you want a full 32° advance at high RPM. The stock distributors have a mechanical advance tolerance of +- 2 degrees at the crankshaft. That's a huge difference and is the reason why blueprinting your distributor -- even on a stock engine -- is important.
NOTE: If your distributor is on the low side of the tolerance it can be 4 degrees retarded and still be in specification!
Stock A12 curves blueprinted to high side of tolerance
Measuring Total Advance
Total advance can be verified with an advance-type Timing Light, or with a standard timing light and additional marks on the crank pulley showing where 32° is.
NOTE: all mechanical advance measurement should be done with the vacuum advance hose disconnected and plugged.
- With a standard 138 mm crankshaft pulley, make a new mark exactly 39mm anti-clockwise from the stock TDC mark. You may use crayon or grinder to mark it. This distance is 32 x 1/360 the circumference of the pulley.
- Connect your timing light and start the engine
- Verify the Dwell and Intial timing is correct. See Timing
- Once the initial timing is confirmed, rev the engine to 4800 RPM and verify the new mark is matching with the TDC indicator.
If the full timing is not achieved at high RPM, you can:
- (better) can add more initial timing to get to the 32 mark
- (best) recurve the distributor on a recurving machine
If the full timing is exceeded, retard the base timing enough to compensate.
Standard A12
These are for engines that are not EXHAUST emission-controlled, such as JDM A12s. The engine may have other types of emissions controls such as EVAPO (fuel vapor controls) or CRANK, but those do not affect spark timing.
The factory advance is a nice performance curve for stock engines. But due to factory tolerances could be several degrees too low for best performance and economy. Blueprint your distributor to ensure it is right.
Total advance is:
7° initial + 21° (10.5 x 2) mechanical = 28° total to 7° initial + 25° (12.5 x 2) mechanical = 32° total
You want it blueprinted to the latter.
1970 Centrifugal Advance - part D411-61
0° at ~550 rpm
11.5° +-1 degree at 2400 distributor rpm
Mechanical advance is all in by 2400 distributor RPM = 4800 crankshaft RPM.
EXHAUST A12
These are for EXHAUST emission-controlled engines, such as USA-specification A12, later JDM 1200s, and possibly later Australia 1200 utes. The spark advance curves are changed to reduce exhaust emissions (unburned HC, carbon monoxide, etc).
EXHAUST controlled A12 engines have lesser initial timing advance (5° compared to 7°) to reduce idle emissions. Because of this these distributors have additional mechanical advance to give you the full total timing.
Total advance is:
5° initial + 27° (13.5 x 2) mechanical = 32° total
tolerance allows down to 5° initial + 23° (11.5 x 2) mechanical = 28° total
1970 Centrifugal Advance - part D412-63
0° at 550 rpm ±100 rpm
12.5° ±1° at 2,100 distributor rpm
Mechanical (Centrifugal) advance is all in by 2100 distributor RPM = 4200 crankshaft RPM.
1973 Centrifugal Advance - part D412-80 for manual transmission
0° at ~600 rpm
12.5° +- 1° at 2,125 +- 25 distributor rpm
Mechanical (Centrifugal) advance is all in by 2150 distributor RPM = 4300 crankshaft RPM.
1973 Centrifugal Advance - part D412-89 for AUTOMATIC transmission
0° at ~600 rpm
12.5° +- 1° at 2,325 +- 25 distributor rpm
Mechanical (Centrifugal) advance is all in by 2350 distributor RPM = 4700 crankshaft RPM.
Changing Mechanical Advance
The distributor shop can change the mechanical advance by varying the fly-out weights and the springs in the distributor, and by modifying the slots and pins that limit the weight movement.
It appears Datsun varied only the Springs and the Slots (Cam Assembly/Rotor Shaft Assy). All A12A/A14/A15 used the same weight set at least in North America.
Mechanical Advance Governor, showing fly-out weights, springs, and weight pins (which fit into the slots in the advance plate)
They can balance initial, total, starting RPM and ending RPM against each other. Simply rotating the distributor only shifts inital and total so is not optimal.
RPM LIMITS
heavier Weights: advance occurs at lower RPM lighter Weights: advance occurs at higher RPM heavier Springs: advance occurs at higher RPM lighter Springs: advance occurs at lower RPM * Could possible bend the spring anchor tabs * for adjustment
Changing just one spring or weight can put a "curve" in the advance, that is, faster advance in the lower RPMs and slower in the higher RPMs (or vice-versa).
RANGE of RPM
longer Slots: increase both starting and ending RPMs shorrer Slots: reduces both starting and ending RPMs * Slots can be modified on one side to change only * the beginning or ending RPM The Hitachi slots and/or pins appear to be assymetrical
smaller diameter Pins: more RPM range larger diameter Pins: less RPM range * side of pin facing the slot can be ground down * or be built-up. Pin width should match slot * width for the most part, so don't grind the pin * all around.
Slotted advance plate. Nissan incorporates this part into the Cam Set/Rotor Set.
The beginning RPM should be set to a little above idle speed, so that it is inactive at idle. Otherwise you will get a hunting idle as the weights swing a little.
If you change the total amount of advance, you need to reset the base timing to compensate, or vice-versa.
All these considerations are why a distributor shop are recommended.
Parts, Type D40
Original Datsun 1200 Hitachi Type distributor mechanical advance parts. Type D40 & D41 Hitachi distributors were used until about 1975 by most Datsun engine families.
COMMON PARTS 22109-71300 WEIGHT-governor (2) ALL, including L-series * 173 = PL411-UTK 22108-H2301 ASS'Y-SHAFT A-series Engine [replaced all earlier]
22100-H1001 ASSY-DISTRIBUTOR (HITACHI D411-61) B110 (except GX) 22110-H1000 SET-SPRING, governor * also used by L14S 1971-1972 510 (Hitachi D411-63) 22132-21005 ASS'Y-cam ** 210 = 510S (1967) * superceded by 22132-22005 ** 220 = P510TK 1600 SSS
22100-H1901 DISTRIBUTOR -1271 (HITACHI D412-63) B110 EXHAUST 22110-H1900 SET-SPRING, governor 22132-H1900 ASS'Y-cam 22108-H1900 SHAFT (0 code with H2300)
22100-H1902 DISTRIBUTOR 1271- (HITACHI D412-63A) AT EXHAUST 22100-H3901 DISTRIBUTOR 1271- (HITACHI D412-80A) MT EXHAUST 22110-H1901 SET-SPRING, governor 22132-H1901 ASS'Y-cam 22100-H7100 DISTRIBUTOR 0772- (HITACHI D412-89) AT EXHAUST 22110-H7100 SET-SPRING, governor 22132-H1901 ASS'Y-cam
22100-H2300 ASSY-DISTRIBUTOR (HITACHI D407-54) (High Gas) GX * 146 = SP311 Datsun Roadster with R16 (Hitachi 22100-14600) * SP311 and 411 SSS both use 22100-14600 22110-14600 SET-SPRING, governor 22132-14605 ASS'Y-cam
22100-18006 ASSY-DISTRIBUTOR (HITACHI D412-53K) (Reg Gas) GX * also B10 (ex. coupe) 22100-H5700 DISTRIBUTOR-ASSY (HITACHI D412-91) 1973-1975 B210 A12T 22110-18001 SET-SPRING, governor 22132-18005 ASS'Y-cam
22100-25706 ASS'Y-DISTRIBUTOR (D412-57K) B10 Coupe * 8 BTDC 22110-25700 SET-SPRING, governor 22132-25705 ASS'Y-cam
22100-H5000 DISTRIBUTOR-ASSY (HITACHI D411-89) 1973-1974 B210 A12S 22100-G1600 DISTRIBUTOR-ASSY (HITACHI D411-A3) 1975-1977 B210 A12S.V 22110-H1000 SET-SPRING, governor 22132-18005 ASS'Y-cam
Parts, D4A Type
Comparison for the D4A/D4F/D4K large-cap hitachi distributors.
22109-A5500 WEIGHT SET, GOVERNOR [all engines] 22110 SPRING SET, GOVERNOR 22132 CAM ASSY/ROTOR SET [incorporates the slots] 22108 SHAFT ASSY [incorporates pins and spring anchors]
1974 A13 22100-H6201 ASSY-DISTRIBUTOR HITACHI D4A02-02 > 5° initial + 27° mechanical = 32 total 22108-H6200 SET-SHAFT 22109-U6001 GOVERNOR-WEIGHT 22110-H6200 SET-SPRING GOVERNOR 22132-H6200 SET-CAM
1975 22100-H7205 ASSY-DISTRIBUTOR (D4A4-03) A14 FED(AUTO) -0775 > ° initial + ° mechanical
22100-H7200 ASSY-DISTRIBUTOR (D4A4-02) A14FED(MANUAL) -0775 > ° initial + ° mechanical
1976 28 @ 4600 POINTS 22100-H7201 ASSY-DISTRIBUTOR (D4A5-04) A14FED(MANUAL) 0875-0776 22100-H7206 ASSY-DISTRIBUTOR (D4A5-05) * A14 CAN(AUTO) 0875-0776 * A14 FED(AUTO) 0875-0777 > 10° initial + 28° mechanical = 38 total 22132-M5600 SET-CAM 22110-M5601 SET-GOVERNOR SPRING
28 @ 4600 EI 22100-H7302 ASSY-DISTRIBUTOR (D4F5-01) CAL(MANUAL) 0875-0776 > 10° initial + 28° mechanical = 38 total 22132-H7300 ASSY-ROTOR SHAFT 22110-H7301 SET-COVERNOR SPRING
28 @ 4300 EI 2100-H7306 ASSY-DISTRIBUTOR (D4F4-02) CAL(AUTO) -0776 > 8° initial + 28° mechanical = 36 total 22132-H7300 ASSY-ROTOR SHAFT 22110-H7301 SET-COVERNOR SPRING
1977
28 @ 4600 POINTS 22100-H7260 ASSY-DISTRIBUTOR (D4A5-13DS) A14FED(MANUAL) 0876-0777 22100-H7268 ASSY-DISTRIBUTOR (D4A6-05/06?) A14 CAN(AUTO) 0876-0777 22100-H7263 ASSY-DISTRIBUTOR (D4A6-04/05?) A14CAN(MANUAL) 0876-0777 > 10° initial + 28° mechanical = 38 total 22100-H7206 ASSY-DISTRIBUTOR (D4A5-05) A14 FED(AUTO) 0875-0777 * used with different initial timing in 1976 > 8° initial + 28° mechanical = 36 total 22110-M5601 SET-GOVERNOR SPRING 22132-M5600 SET-CAM
28 @ 4600 EI 22100-H7360 ASSY-DISTRIBUTOR (D4F5-03) CAL(MANUAL) 0876- > 10° initial + 28° mechanical = 38 total 22132-H7300 ASSY-ROTOR 22110-H7301 SET-COVERNOR SPRING
28 @ 4300 EI 22100-H7365 ASSY-DISTRIBUTOR (D4F5-05) CAL(AUTO) 0876- > 10° initial + 28° mechanical = 38 total 22132-H7300 ASSY-ROTOR 22110-H7301 SET-COVERNOR SPRING
1978
20-degree @ 4800 CAN 22100-H7601 ASSY-DISTRIBUTOR (D4A7-02) A14CAN(MANUAL) 0877- 22100-H7606 ASSY-DISTRIBUTOR (D4A7-03) A14 CAN(AUTO) 0877- > 10° initial + 20° mechanical = 30 total 22110-H7601 SPRING 22132-H7601 ROTOR SHAFT
28-degree @ 4600 EI 22100-H7265 DISTRIBUTOR ASSY(D4F6-03) FED(AUTO) 0877- > 8° initial + 28° mechanical = 36 total 22100-H7360 ASSY-DISTRIBUTOR (D4F5-03) CAL+FED.MT 0876- 22100-H7365 ASSY-DISTRIBUTOR (D4F5-05) CAL(AUTO) 0876- > 10° initial + 28° mechanical = 38 total 22110-H7301 SPRING 22132-H7300 ROTOR SHAFT
28-degree @ 4800 FU 22100-H7680 DISTRIBUTOR-ASSY (D4F7-01) FED(GFU) 0877- > 5° initial + 28° mechanical = 33 total 22110-H7780 SET-GOVERNOR SPRING 22132-H7780 ROTOR SHAFT-ASSY
B310 D4A80-02 1982 CAN A12A 12° initial + 10° mechanical Spring set: 22110-H7601 Weight set: 22109-A5500 Cam ass'y: 22132-H7601
NA B310 A14/A15 Spring set 22110-H9100 FED 22110-H9160 CAL 22110-H9300 CAN Cam ass'y: 22132-H9100 FED 22132-H9160 CAL 22132-H9300 CAN NA B210 1978 FED AUTO springs: 22110-H7301 cam/rotor: 22132-H7300 shaft: 22108-H7300
1975 CAL MT springs: 22110-H7301 or 22110-H7300 cam/rotor: 22132-H7300 shaft: 22108-H7300
1974-1976 FED MT springs: 1974 22110-H7200 1975- 22110-M5601 cam/rotor: 22132-M5600 shaft: 22108-M5600
Vacuum Advance
1973 Vacuum Advance - part D412-80 for manual transmission
- 0° at 6 inHg (inches of mercury)
- 6.5° at 9.5 inHg
