They report to an ECU (engine control unit) that constantly ascertains all the variables and tells each spark plug when to fire. They sense Manifold Absolute Pressure, Mass Air Flow, crankshaft position and so on. High-performance carburetors, intake manifolds, cylinder heads, camshafts, and other tuning components are all dependent upon correct ignition timing if the spark is not delivered at the proper time to the combustion chamber, the quest for optimum power or economy is impaired.īut the distributor has vanished! Tuning contemporary hot rods involves electronics and computer software. There is a cardinal rule of carburetor tuning: “Ignition first.” Once the static ignition setting and the ignition advancing mechanism in the distributor is correct, the air-fuel mixture can be tuned for full power and fuel efficiency. Story and Photographs Courtesy: Moore Good Ink
