Timing belt poll and ignition timing question

["Allen Mitchell" <allenom@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

In response to the hood/radiator removal question:
the hood is definitely a good thing to remove, it makes getting around the 
front of the motor easier.  removing the radiator is a matter of preference, 
since you already have the hoses out it is easy, and you can clean it off 
really well.

I have a some interesting info about 86 GTV6 ignitions:
As you know, the later GTV6's had a Bosch "digital electronic ignition."  
This was supposed to control ignition advance, inresponse to various inputs. 
 These inputs are, specifically, RPM, temperature, and the throttle switch. 
 However, if you've ever looked at your distributor, you will notice that 
there is ALSO a vacuum line going to the throttle body.  If you apply vacuum 
to this line, the timing advances.  If you disconnect this line, and run up 
the RPMs while checking the timing, you will find that the spark advances 
independently of the vacuum capsule.  So the ignition box DOES advance the 
spark.  The distributor seems to be good for about half the advance, and the 
spark box does the rest.  Together, they advance the spark to about 30 or so 
degrees above 3000 RPM.  All the advance is in by then.  The temperature 
input to the spark box was subject to an Alfa tech bulletin advising 
disconnection.  The throttle switch retards (as I recall) the spark about 2 
degrees at idle.  Does anybody know why they used both vacuum and electronic 
advance systems???

Finally, does anybody have a distributor from an 81-83 GTV6 I can experiment 
with???

Thanks,
Al

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