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at -10 degrees before TDC my cars idle was not right on.

-11 TDC was better
-12 TDC is as far as i've gone but its the best setting so far.

I hear pops in my idle at random times. Is that ok? should I go -13 degrees before TDC? Also, does base timing determine the entire rpm ranges timing???

Idle issue is something else. You advanced your timing and the popping may well be predetonation.

Ignition timing for the KL is 9 to 11 degrees BTDC at idle. However, when I checked my DE, it was set to 16 degrees BTDC, yet there were no issues, and the engine ran perfectly smooth.
I'd suggest you set your timing back to 10 degrees BTDC, and look for other causes. Start on the spark plugs. Check the gap (should be .039" to .043"), then the spark plug wires, disty cap, rotor, etc., and let us know.

How in the world do you advance or retard timing? I tried to retard my timing a few degrees and as soon as I release the TEN and GND it goes back to stock.... bleh....

hgallegos915 wrote:How in the world do you advance or retard timing? I tried to retard my timing a few degrees and as soon as I release the TEN and GND it goes back to stock.... bleh....

The only thing I can think of is that you may be removing the jumper with the engine running. Other than that, the only reason why the computer might retard the timing is if the engine was detonating, but, at 9.2:1 CR with aluminum heads, you'd have to be using very crappy gas for that to happen...

Just because the timing moves back when you pull the jumper doesn't mean it didn't register your change. It uses it as a benchmark, and timing changes based on load/speed conditions. If you tap the throttle after and watch, I'm sure it will advance as the RPM's rise, and fall back as they fall again.

new plugs, re - gapped
new wires
set TPS using ametere and wa ssuccesful
set idle properly to 750rpm (after 10 and grnd removed)
itws just that, i have a k8-ze and i dont know if there really is a difference there or not in timing.

Its really damn close though now. I'm at -12 BTDC. better than -10.

12 deg is ok. As Ryan said, the ECU will modify the timing continuously, for best performance, within certain limits. For what I read, the "accepted" range at idle, for emissions purposes, is 9 to 13 degrees BTDC. Any higher than that, and emissions go to hell (don't ask me why, I'm not an engineer).
But is the popping still there?

I finally solved it. I just went out after work about 2 hours ago, got my timing and junk set up, ready to go, and put it to about -11.5 before TDC haha. Yes, i aimed for -11.5 . And the idle is perfect, no lean smell in exhaust fumes, power is definitely better all the way around....... So, thx for your help guys. Timing is just a matter of time.

Results, my timing was perfect at around negative 11 - 12 degrees before TDC on a K8-ZE (yes j-spec 1.8 v6) No EGR, new distributor, wires, plugs. Intake is A-spec curved neck.

I hope this post helps someone else with my same combo.