Ignition tables with crankshaft position sensor

[wagon-r]

My 1997 Accord has a crankshaft position sensor and I am still using this for the CKP (Crank Position) and TDC (Top Dead Sensor) inputs into the ECU. I am temporarily using the Stock H22A basemap from Honda Vault (my F22 is significantly modified and using H22 fuel injectors) until I can make sure everything is working properly and get it tuned. With OBD1 distributors, the baseline ignition is set at -16 degrees. I am wondering if the use of the crankshaft position sensor with the Stock H22A basemap could cause the ignition timing on my vehicle to be retarded by 16 degrees? Do I need to compensate the ignition tables if I am using the crankshaft position sensor?

As background, the vehicle is down on power and on rare occasions I will get a small backfire when I lift off the throttle at low engine rpm.

[Spunkster]

The timing shouldn't be any different with one or the other unless something is not mechanically right.

[wagon-r]

As almost nothing on my project has gone the way it should, I have become completely paranoid. So, with my engine still not running quite the way it should, I went out with my trusty timing light and measured ignition timing at idle.

True to form, the measured timing didn't match the timing reported by my S300. The S300 software display was showing a consistent 15 degree advance, but the timing on the pulley was exactly between the red mark (15 degree advance) and the white mark (TDC).

Suggestions? Should I advance the timing by 7 degrees everywhere?

[Hondata]

In SManager use the Set Timing function http://www.hondata.com/help/smanager/se ... set+timing
Enter a value of 0, and rotate the distributor until you are aligned with the TDC mark.

[wagon-r]

Thanks for the precise suggestion. Somehow I missed the Set Timing function.

However, my vehicle has a crankshaft position sensor, so rotating the distributor has no impact on the timing.

Should I use the Set Timing function to enter the advance I am reading with the timing light?

[Spunkster]

You would be much better off switching to an OBD1 distributor that is adjustable.