I just swapped out my stock 1.3L that was on it's last legs and dropped in a done up 1.3L from John's Foreign Engines and was wondering what the concencus was about setting the timing? I have it set at 8 degrees but was thinking it might be different due to the RV2 Cam. I went with the 9.5-1 pistons and have a Petroworks side draft intake with a 44mm Screamin' Eagle carb. I also have a Doug Thorley header going into a 2" exhaust. It's running good and I put about 90 miles on it so far. That's about all the detials I can give but I don't think the timing is right. It just isn't giving the go I expected. I know that the timing on a stock 1.3 is important to get right or it loses alot of power. Any suggestions would be greatfully appreciated. Thanks.

This is really "Old School" and this is the first time I have given advice here on this forum (or any Forum for that matter) I will say and give advice but I am not responsible for anything! (just ask my wife) but seriously when we use to play with Hot Rods we would run the timing up till if felt as if it were getting the least 'RESISTANCE" while starting , then check your timing to see where it is and Drive it around the block and put it under a small load (going up a small grade in high gear) and be careful to listen for spark rattel or Detonation. Back off the gas immediately and go back to your shop and drop your timing a few Degrees and start all over again as before till it "Feels" like you are going in the right direction. Too low of a initial timing will make your Motor run sluggish too much timing can make your motor overheat and "Spark knock".This might sound like an "Off The Wall" way of dialing it in but it works for me. Be sure you have fresh gas and a good grade of gas for this test. Do you think you might try it? I think you will be plesantly suprised but don't do it if you have any reservations.Question...did you put fresh pluges and wires on this motor?

10* is the factory setting for the 1.6L engines, you might try that, also
the timing marks could be off and causing more retarded timing than you think

Wild

10* is the factory setting for the 1.6L engines, you might try that, also
the timing marks could be off and causing more retarded timing than you think

Wild

Hmm, the spec for my sidekick is 5*.

We were both wrong 


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I'm not sure how this will show up here, so this is the same hosted page
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is posted as a web page

Wild

was wondering what the consequences were about setting the timing? I have it set at 8 degrees but was thinking it might be different due to the RV2 Cam.  but I don't think the timing is right. It just isn't giving the go I expected. I know that the timing on a stock 1.3 is important to get right or it loses alot of power. Any suggestions would be greatfully appreciated. Thanks.

The timing might need to be backed off for higher compression ratios, but only really if you are running
sub standard fuel octane for that engine build. The amount of advance is figured out by a bunch of
factors, compression being one of them, it has to do with the cylinder pressures at a specific time in the
engines power stroke, if the timing is too far advanced, the pressures can be too high, causing the ping
we all hear about, slower burning fuel would require more time to burn and needs more advance to get
the optimum cylinder pressure, too late of timing and the pressure is too low and part of your fuel burns
as it's going out the exhaust valve, making the motor feel sluggish. More than you wanted to know I'm sure
OK I'm done rambling now

Wild

We were both wrong 


http://wildcatent.freeyellow.com/Suzuki-Repair-Man/031.gif

I'm not sure how this will show up here, so this is the same hosted page
on my web server, the top one is entered as a picture file, the second one
is posted as a web page

Wild

Speak for yourself.  The timing spec of 5* IS correct for my 16V sidekick....at least according to my Suzuki FSM.  The timing spec for 8V trackicks is 8* and the timing spec for the samurai 1.3 is 10*.....again, according to the respective FSMs.

Ohh, ok throw 16 valves in there ya, I'll go for the 5*
I was thinking of the 8V engines, and I had the number
wrong for my engine.

The page I posted says what you said the FSM calls out
for the timing advance.

Ohh and BTW, stock 1.3 Sammy engines were 9.5:1 CR
so the pistons are not higher than stockers

Wild

ok, well, back to this guys original question. Iam zack (the one who built your motor) you will find that my 9.5 w/ rv2 will frequency tune perfect running 10-12 btdc, I have seen them want to go to 14-15. Set the timing according to spec (keep in mind the variable mark on the pulley will line up w/ the fixed mark on the cover when its correct). If you have any more questions call me, I dont charge extra for after the sale calls!!!!!!!!!

thats right,,,canada, you got the green motor?? Give it 2-3 more and see where you are. make sure the fuel system is adjusted correctly (dont want to overfuel in the break-in)

Ohh, ok throw 16 valves in there ya, I'll go for the 5*
I was thinking of the 8V engines, and I had the number
wrong for my engine.

The page I posted says what you said the FSM calls out
for the timing advance.

Ohh and BTW, stock 1.3 Sammy engines were 9.5:1 CR
so the pistons are not higher than stockers

Wild

actually they didnt do the 9.5 untill the 1298 cm3 tbi models, anything 90 and earlier was the dished piston. So to put a 9.5 in the 1324cm3 block is an upgrade!

Sammy Pro, What was the early engine CR?
The Track/Kicks are at either 8.9 or 9.1, I'm not sure if
Suzuki changed that CR at about the same time the 1.3L
engine got it's CR bump

Wild

I think,,,,8.5?? Its almost agsinst my religion to install stock pistons. LOL. Im pretty sure it was 8. something. Comparing the two you can see the dish and where the flat-top design would be more suitable.

another trick is to hook up a vacuum guage and turn the distro until you get the highest reading on the vacuum guage