VS HSV v standard timing?

[simmons001]

Hi all.

Having trolled the pages, I think i have this correct in my head but would appreciate confirmation/thoughts.

Since having my distributor in my VS 5.0 replaced, it pings. Pings badly on 91 and not at all on 98 ULP. Obvious answer is the timing is advanced. So back she went, the guy swears its set to spec. I believe him. However the problem continues. Bad pinging on 91, none on 98. I've checked it myself (with the paper clip & timing light) and yep, its stock. plugs/leads etc all new/fine.

Of course the simple answer is run it on 98, but a recent thread suggested that the HSV tune has different advance? As my 5.0 has the optional 185kW HSV tune;

a) the problem is definitely timing.?
b) should the timing be set different to standard spec? (from gregory's etc) and
c) does anyone know what it is?

Thoughts/tips/suggestions? Or should I just do it by ear like we used to in the ol 253 HG days?

[Brett_jjj]

Do these engines run a knock sensor? The ECU should detect the pinging via the knock sensor and then the ECU should automatically retard the ignition timing until the pinging/knocking has stopped being detected.

[BlackVXGTS]

The HSV 185 engines do run a knock sensor. Static timing is the same as other VS V8s - 10 degrees BTDC. Check the wiring to the knock sensor and try using a different brand of petrol. Personally, I wouldn't (and don't) use 91 ULP in my HSV.

[delcowizzid]

the balancers spin and the timing marks go way out making adjusting base timing impossible ide be confirming the mark on the balancer is in fact at top dead centre

[vs hay hauler]

sounds like the knock sensor has stopped working, check all wiring from the dizzy out.

[simmons001]

Do these engines run a knock sensor? The ECU should detect the pinging via the knock sensor and then the ECU should automatically retard the ignition timing until the pinging/knocking has stopped being detected.

*slaps head*

Of course! Thanks all, I will check the timing again and check the knock sensor.

And yes, point taken on the 91. Perhaps I shall just keep it on the 98 as it seems so happy.

Cheers all

[baza]

i`m sure the HSV 185 motor was tuned to run on 91 octane fuel , greenfoams 5 ltr tune is more aggresive than the HSV 185 tune and my motor runs fine on the foam tune on 95 fuel . and my engine is a stock 5 ltr , no knock sensor and does not ping. so your engine , simmons001 , must have some issues like were mentioned , harmonic balancer , ECU , cam , engine running lean . i think the 185 motor was tuned to run on minimum 91 octane fuel , but best performance use 95 PULP .