setting sr timing with power fc

[JDMricer]

ok here is a rather stupid question i guess, but here we go anyways, After comming back from the dyno with not the results i was expecting by far im trying to adjust my timing. My issue however is that I have a apexi power fc d-jetro, so i dont have the adjustment/diagnosis screw on my ecu anymore. I know a with a oem ecu the steps would go like this-

1. warm up car to normal operating temp

2. turn off car

3. turn your idle adjustment/diagnosis screw on your ecu all the way to your left.

2. turn off car

3. disconnect TPS sensor plug

4. restart car. It may die on you, but give it enough gas to keep it running until it maintains a decent idle at around 750 RPM. If the idle *increases* during this step, then you will need to disconnect the AAC valve plug and manually adjust the idle screw to get the car to idle at 750 RPM.

5. Rev the engine from idle to past 3000 RPM 3 times in a row. This locks in the timing so that it stays constant during the procedure. Now, the ECU will not try to interfere by advancing/retarding base timing, screwing up your results.

6. set the timing with a light. Second mark from the left is 15 degrees BTDC. Second from right is 15.

7. tighten CAS bolts.

8. turn off car.

9. reconnect TPS plug, idle should rise 50 to 100 rpm.

10. Start car.

11. you are done now.

but what do i do with my power fc when at step 3?

thanks for the help.

[fliprayzin240sx]

Ive always just unplug the TPS...

[djcobra]

I have the same problem... has anyone figured this out? I don't think we have to disconnect the TPS if we're using the PFC, anyways can someone chime in.

Thanks,

Steve.

[garagelu]

This is how I did it:

If you have a commander on your power fc, put it on the screen to read your timing. Mash something in between your throttle pulley to keep your idle up around 3000 rpm or so. Go to the commander and see what your timing reads. For example, if your timing reads 30 degrees....set your timing gun advance to 30 and adjust your CAS till your mark is on the 0 mark on the pulley.

All this is assuming you have a timing gun with advance function. I have aftermarket cams that fluctuate the idle a lot so idling the engine up allows me to set timing more accurately.

[djcobra]

Hey garagelu,

thanks for the repsonse, I also have aftermarket cams installed however, I can adjust the idle in the PFC down to 750-800rpm without any fluctute (sounds like a v8). Problem is that my PFC map is already tuned i just want to check my base timing to make sure if everything is okay. My regular idle is around 1100rpm when the car is fully warmed up.

I've been searching and reading up on the forums but nobody has really provided any detail help with base timing when using PFC.

Can anyone please help on how to check base timing using PFC with upgraded cams; also what should the idle be set at and should the idle map/cells be set at 15* deg.

Thanks,

Steve.

[garagelu]

You can still check it the way I did it.

But either way.....you can do it like most people do it. Don't worry about unplugging the TPS since the power fc controls idle different from the stock ecu.

Hook up a timing light with and inductive pick up onto the look in the back. Make sure its facing the right way. Restab you CAS to get you close. Shoot the timing light at the crank pulley and adjust CAS till it hits that 2nd mark from the right.

Also you need to idle your engine down. 1100 rpm is too high. Adjust it at the IACV or go into your power fc idle setting and make sure its around 800 or so. I have my power fc set at 900 rpm for idle because of my cams.

[djcobra]

Hey garagelu,

thanks once again, I'll be taking the valve cover of this week and restab the CAS to make sure its mechanically set at 15* deg. This way I know its set correctly rather than using the timing gun etc...

The reason why my idle is set at 1100rpm is due to my aggressive cams, I have HKS Step 2's installed 256in/264ex with a 11.5mm lift. If i set the idle anything lower than 900rpm it just has idle issues, goes up and down.

As for checking the timing, i'll set the idle down to 800-850rpm via Power FC and point the timing light to the crank and i'll see what she reads. However, my concern is that my idle cell/map on the Power FC will probably be different ie, not at 15* deg during idle. I don't think it matters what the Power FC says, i'm just concern'd about the mechanical timing. Last week i just briefly checked my timing (lower'd the idle down to around 750-800rpm) and noticed my timing was around 20* deg.

Steve.