Why do you need to Sync your Ignition Timing?
Syncing the ignition timing when using and AEM is a key step in the start up process. Using a timing light to check physical timing at the engine matches the timing value displayed in the AEM tuner software will ensure the timing #s in the map and in the data logs are 100% accurate.
This YouTube video will walk you through the step by step process of syncing the ignition timing. If you need a custom Base Map or complete tune check out our AEM E-tune options and feel free to contact us any time. Don’t have an AEM ems? No problem we tune just about every ECU, EMS and ECM on the market click the link to check out our Tuning, Track support and Etune services for more details.
If you are using the AEM Infinity ECU please check out our AEM Infinity ignition sync article and video to walk you through the sync process.
Ignition Timing and Knock
Syncing the ignition timing is the 1st step in tuning the ignition timing of any engine to ensure reliability and peak torque output AKA Horse Power. If the ignition timing is not sync’d correctly AEM tuner and AEM data will not display actual ignition timing.
For example:
Timing at the engine during idle is 20 BTDC (as seen by timing light) a
Timing in AEMtuner displays 15* ign timing during idle
20 – 15 = 5, this means the entire timing map will be off by +5*. This can easily lead to knock and engine damage.
Tuner tools for Ignition Timing Tuning
Here are a couple of the basic tools/sensor any tuner will need while tuning an engine.
- Knock Monitoring VE wide band knock sensor kit with Coax harness
- Wide band O2 sensor & controller, we recommend the AEM X series AFR gauge with 4.9lsu sensor
- Data logging: This will depend on the type of ECU being tuned and available software