Now that my Accord is only my daily driver I want it to get as good as MPG as possible. Does the Ignition Timing have any affect on mpg? I had the timing retarded this morning to pass my SMOG test, but the car felt sluggish although smooth. Common sense I figure it would make more power with it advanced (17BTDC?) so does that translate into better fuel economy? This topic has always bewildered me. Thanks for any help...

 

You'll usually get better power and throttle response with advanced timing, and better MPG with slightly retarded timing. Best I can tell you is to test trian and error style, every car is different.

 

I think you'll get better mpg with it advanced a little. Not far enough to be outrageous. But you'll ONLY get the improved mpg if you can resist using all the extra power...

 

"all the extra power"... :rofl: remember this is a 1990 Accord
I have decided to run a little advanced. The throttle response is so much better. Retarded the car felt so sluggish... gets good enough mileage anyway. I usually get over 30mpg with mixed driving. I'm currently running 17BTDC ignition timing on 87 octane. Pending any pinging I will leave it at that, feels good...