How Ignition Timing Works: Vacuum and Mechanical Advance Explained!

Ignition timing is essential to proper engine performance and in this video, we explain exactly how it works. We clear up some popular misconceptions about mechanical and vacuum advance to help your engine deliver maximum power and fuel economy.

[chrishaan]

Why can’t everyone make videos this easy to understand as well as informative

[buick]

That's probably the best explanation on You Tube .

[mutgmxc]

That was actually a very thorough explanation. I feel like I could build an ignition system from scratch.

[NHGOAT]

Been messing with cars since the 60's, and I never fully understood the function of vacuum advance until this video. THANKS!!

[DuheSpeedShop]

Thanks for making this video! Answered a lot of my questions

[Ebooger]

To me, one of the main reasons for running vacuum advance is longer engine life. Burning ALL the fuel means there will be much less fuel to wash the oil off the cylinder walls. This results in much longer piston ring and cylinder wall life, and also drastically reduces oil dilution which isn't great for the bottom end.

[Themike]

Good video MSD definitely worth watching! Unity Motor Sports Garage also has two excellent videos on vacuum advance with David Vizard on how to set up your vacuum advance, anyone wanting to get the best out of their street motor needs to watch them!

[dougsammons]

This is the first man to mention the adjustment of the vacuum advance, made in the vacuum advance device, , , , common practice back in the day

[artvandelay]

Being a driver & not a mechanic I appreciate the basic knowledge of what is happening under my hood. My friends are drag racers as well as mechanics so I know enough to leave shit alone and let them dial me in. Went with the MSD equipment that they all use. Been real happy that I spend more time driving without constant tinkering. Thanks from a dummy ;-)

[bobthebuilder]

Very simple and easy to follow. Thank you.

[IANXZ]

One of the best explanations out there.

[EloyvanNieuwenhoven]

Very clear and informative video! I did not expect it to be this good.

[davidmurphy]

Great content, Very well spoken and explained. Thank You

[richardhall]

It's cool to see the Liberty Mutual car in a YouTube video about ignition timing!

[chrisvalois]

you are the only one explaining this the way for me to understand.
ive been disconnecting the vaccum advance hose because i thought it gives the engine too much timing (up to 60) at cruising speed.
thank you!

[MrCbell]

Good info.Hard to explain but the electrical firing of a spark plug is already there ready to fire and does not have to travel through the wires at all. Electricity does not travel. If it had to it would take time to get from the power plant to our house then to the light when we flick the switch. It’s instant. No lag time. Because it’s already available! It happens in less than 1, 000’s of a second. It’s how 8 plugs can fire at 7000 rpm almost instantly. But advancing the timing just makes sure it all happens when it needs to. We do have to speed up the process to stay in sync with the engine requirements. Again. Good info.

[neelonghunglow]

Because this video was so informative, I will look for MSD products from now on. I appreciate companies that makes their product's info as good as their products..besides, red looks good in a chevy engine bay!

[PaytonButler-kjcb]

Fantastic video. Just got 67 mustang, trying to learn what I can.

[scottortiz]

Loved the video very informative, , , , thank you.?.

[fastmonaro]

Great presentation loved it. Just wondering, if I am running a SNIPER EFI and I use timing control Hyperspark with CDI, can I or do I have the chance to run advanced/ Lean setup in cruise/ part throttle conditions???? It seems that Vacuum advance is much better than my current Mallory Mechanical advance system. Would love the have best of both worlds. Again this really taught me alot.