Timing Converted Engines

Ferrety76 · Post by **Ferrety76** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 1:02 pm

I have searched and read a lot regarding timing. However, I am not sure how you time a 1966 beetle that has dual port engine?
My recently purchased 1966 1300 has an HO engine ( I believe it was a 1500cc originally), it was converted to dual port and has a vacuum advance distributor.
What do I use to time this engine? 7.5 degrees BTDC following the HO engine code? or should I consider that this engine now is a 1600cc and I should time it differently?

Any help is much appreciated thank you!

fatalifeaten · Post by **fatalifeaten** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 2:05 pm

7.5 is good for a 1600 as well. In this case, the displacement doesn't really make a difference.

Ferrety76 · Post by **Ferrety76** » Fri Jul 06, 2012 4:44 pm

Thank you!

Blue Baron · Post by **Blue Baron** » Sun Jul 08, 2012 9:37 pm

Correct. Timing doesn't change on stock engines.

Ferrety76 · Post by **Ferrety76** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:28 am

Ok, guys a timed it at 7.5. The engine sounds good! I am still curious and someone can answer me another question. I see that the distributor has the numbers 0231 181 012 and 022 905 205 AB along with the VW logo. Tracking down those numbers sounds like the distributor was originally for Bus & Pickup 1975-Early 1976 * 1800 (75), 2000 (76) Manual Trans. and Timing Set At:: 5deg ATDC @ 800-950 rpm w/strobe.
I thought that that the type of distributor was the one that always determine the advance and therefore the timing.
Am I confusing myself here? should I use 7.5BTDC, 5 ATDC or I should not even be using that distributor?
Thank you guys in advance for your opinions on this matter.

Blue Baron · Post by **Blue Baron** » Fri Aug 24, 2012 3:12 pm

You're timing the engine, not the distributor. Engine timing doesn't change regardless of what dizzy you use.

I'm not familiar with that distributor, but the difference between distributors is in the advance curve. How well does it run? If it runs good and doesn't detonate or overheat and the mileage seems good, I'd keep it.