i still gotta go under and check the diff but for the bumping of the timing what is a good place to set it at?
or should i just keep going till it starts to ping and then just back it off a bit from that till it stops and just max it out as much as i can?
thanks

 

16 deg BTDC is feasible with a healthy engine. go for that and back off a little (1-2 deg) if ping

 

with 91 octane of course

 

You're better off at 14 BTDC & 87 octane. I run 16 BTDC & 87 octane w/ no problem, but I prepped the engine to reduce combustion chamber deposits & optimize thermal transfer abilities, including choice of plug used.

Increasing the octane of a stock compression engine, although providing a quench effect which reduces C/C temps, also leaves incomplete ignition of atomized fuel.

Seafoam combustion chambers. Descale engine & flush coolant system. Switch to distilled water/antifreeze mix w/ a bottle of "Water Wetter" added. I personally run a 180F thermostat & get over 20 mpg hwy.

I'll run 89 octane on an Oregon trip. 700 miles between stops at 80 mph w/ a 1400 lb. payload. otherwise, 87 octane.

Don't ignore the benefits of increasing spark kernel exposure by upgrading ignition system, allowing larger spark gaps & even sidegap if desired.

 

87 is fine as long as it doesn't ping or detonate

however, this is not a gamble I'm willing to take. detonation will kill an engine faster than you can blink. Is a blown engine really worth a few extra HP?

 

just checked and i have a 8.8 in there now and the tag says 155...
thanks

 

The tag should say 3 55 or 3L55....

 

The bolt usually obscures the first digit so it probably is an L. 3L55

 

What's the differance?

 

L means limited slip.