When reading the starter saver thread I started wondering how much retard most guys use. With the grid ignition most are running, and other programmable digital ignition boxes, the possibilities are endless. Please respond with engine sizes and how much timing you pull on the starter. Also I wonder if it varies with Methanol vs race gas vs compression ratio?

582ci, 14:1 - Gas - Grid - I pull 10 degrees for anything under 700 rpm is how the grid "words" it. I have tried more and less but 10 seems to be the sweet spot. and for the record it starts fine at full timing but I used to have starter kick back (not in 4-5 years) so that's why I tried it out. I also run 16v which really helps (here we go)...



#waitingforallknowingtochimeinsoweallknowwhattodo

quote:

Originally posted by CHampshire:
When reading the starter saver thread I started wondering how much retard most guys use. With the grid ignition most are running, and other programmable digital ignition boxes, the possibilities are endless. Please respond with engine sizes and how much timing you pull on the starter. Also I wonder if it varies with Methanol vs race gas vs compression ratio?

Each combo is different to its a trial and error kinda deal... some like retard and some don't.

With my EFI I set the cranking rpm via the laptop. Both cars crank over at 15*. I am not "pulling" any timing. Have set them at 10* but they seems to like 15* better.

355 11:1 alcohol carb

Grid set at 20* under 700 rpm

15.6:1 615 0 retard

14:1 522 18 degrees via the advance curve bushing in the distributor.

Here’s mine programmed . I like linear. The faster it spins the less retard is being used.

14:1 632

7530T

Starting on Primer Plus with 50/50 mix of 110 race fuel and non-oxygenated pump gas

10* in the start retard

0

13.5/1 sbc400 on gas,no start retard.

No retard---eliminates something else to go wrong.

I’ve busted more starters and flex plates using a start retard than I care to remember.

quote:

582ci, 14:1 - Gas - Grid - I pull 10 degrees for anything under 700 rpm is how the grid "words" it. I have tried more and less but 10 seems to be the sweet spot. and for the record it starts fine at full timing but I used to have starter kick back (not in 4-5 years) so that's why I tried it out. I also run 16v which really helps (here we go)...

x2 for 598@31degon alky.my new combo at this stage is different,start at 36 pull 10 to 12 to run.procharged ,540 on alky carb.this is preliminary and could change

Pretty sure some on here use FULL retard.

quote:

Originally posted by Matrix:
I’ve busted more starters and flex plates using a start retard than I care to remember.

So did we. On Stocker,,, Found small cap and rotor can’t take a bunch of retard, large cap can, spark scatter for us. We only take out 3 start ret now.

there have been many discussions here about engines on alky,compression ratios,camshafts and ect.all combinations have strange things that make them less than perfect and still run well.on most of my combos a kickback was due to a slighlty lean situation at start .a retard of 10 deg would help that if i didnt do my part correctly,although it would start fine without it if done correctly.a low compression engine that runs on a lot less timing due to boost may work almost opposite even though it would start at 25 deg.another thing not mentioned is rotor phasing it is sometimes overlooked for starting issues.

quote:

Originally posted by stk 758 BP!:

quote:

Originally posted by Matrix:
I’ve busted more starters and flex plates using a start retard than I care to remember.

So did we. On Stocker,,, Found small cap and rotor can’t take a bunch of retard, large cap can, spark scatter for us. We only take out 3 start ret now.

People line up the rotor to the middle of the post then dont realise when they retard timing 20 degrees where the rotor is actually pointed. Seen it many times with guys running nitrous too.

20 is way too much without phasing the rotor, then when it is running is is out the other way.
7AL3 with it's 20 degree has ruined more flexplates and starter drives than you can shake a stick at. 4 that I have known locally. And no more after they all quit using it.
5-6 is all I have ever used.
All these gadgets get people in trouble.

quote:

Originally posted by Matrix:
I’ve busted more starters and flex plates using a start retard than I care to remember.

THIS 10000%

quote:

Originally posted by Bad News:

Not knowing how to use All these gadgets get people in trouble.

Yep