How much timing advance?

How much is too much advanced? When do you start to lose power, instead of increasing it for low end power? The spec is 6 BTDC and before I did anything to it, it was at 8 BTDC. Now I just set it to about 11 BTDC and it idles and runs good...but is that too much or should it be fine? I just want 0-60 MPH power, I don't want to go too far past 100 MPH in a stock 16 yr. old car.

You will set off check engine light if you get too far from factory set timing but good rule of thumb is always to stay within 6 degrees of stock setting

ok...so with it set to 11 BTDC that would be increasing low end torque right? Am I losing speed because of gaining torque? I'm new to timing and I just want the best timing for 0 - 60 MPH runs.

I know on my 5.0 Mustang, we put it to 14*(setup like your car)..but the rule of thumb is up the timing 2* until it pings then back it off a degree.

FYI with anyone one LS1s...I have 20* going through mine(forced induction though) and I put Violators to 31* with a little more fuel. Both timing #s are total timing and adjusted by me using HPTuners.

Both cars scream and run well.

I know on my 5.0 Mustang, we put it to 14*(setup like your car)..but the rule of thumb is up the timing 2* until it pings then back it off a degree.

FYI with anyone one LS1s...I have 20* going through mine(forced induction though) and I put Violators to 31* with a little more fuel. Both timing #s are total timing and adjusted by me using HPTuners.

Both cars scream and run well.

yea but there is a problem with that rule of thumb, If you can hear the spark knock, your already in the red area for it. If you are tuning a caubruated car, you need to learn how to read plugs and stuff like that. That is why I like my computer controlled car. MOST small blocks that I have been around and also from what people have told me, like about 32* total advanced. Depending on what heads and cam you have.

PS, how much boost are you running in your LS1 with 31* of total timing?

setting your engine away from its factory settings,with all stock parts,causes more harm than it does good.Set it to the original settings,and put a tune up and filters in it.if that doesnt do it any good,switch to premium,or start modding it out.Mine clatters on pump gas,and runs good with +100 octane.But i dont go setting my timing away from the clatter,when i know the problem is unrelated.

yea but there is a problem with that rule of thumb, If you can hear the spark knock, your already in the red area for it. If you are tuning a caubruated car, you need to learn how to read plugs and stuff like that. That is why I like my computer controlled car. MOST small blocks that I have been around and also from what people have told me, like about 32* total advanced. Depending on what heads and cam you have.

PS, how much boost are you running in your LS1 with 31* of total timing?

I'm not running 31*...Violator is....one of the guys here who I tuned his car.

I'm running 20* and could have gone higher, just ran out of time before I went back out on the road working again. I plan on running 25*. If not 25, as close as I can get.

I run 7# of boost...but its intercooled (air-to-air)