OK, I was reading the other thread, but this one is really bothering me, and I didn't want to take over somebody else's thread.

I have read on here all over the place that people take timing out in the winter. This seems backwards to me. Heat is what helps cause detonation. Cold is what helps prevent detonation. So logic tells me that you should add timing in the winter... because you can take advantage of the lack of detonating heat.

Surely I'm missing something. Mostly interested in facts, and theories by those that really know. No offense, but if you are guessing, or heard it somewhere, then please don't post it here.

Thanks,
Kurt

 

Short answer is the denser cold air burns faster and hotter, thus it needs less timing.

 

Actually I was reading just the opposite. Colder air burns slower and colder.

I really appreciate the info. Is there an article on the net somewhere?

 

The colder the air the more boost your L will make. People running close to the edge can blow their engines. I live in South Florida and my car make 2lb+ more boost when it's in the 50's with low humidity, as opposed to the rest of the year.

 

Good question.
The cold air is denser (deeper breathing), and less humidity allows more oxygen content. Basically it's the same as increasing your boost.

As an aside, my supercharged mustang boost would increase from 23lbs on a hot/humid night to 25lbs on a cold dry night. Made more power also, picked up 4 MPH on the top end.

Hope this helps.