ThunderMax Timing vs. TPS (More Complex - Best Method) - Manual (Page 6)

For Heavy Ping as much as -5 degrees or more may be required. I may apply -3 degrees to
help “zero in” on the area and region needing adjustment then retest.
Severe Ping: Engine Ping which is so severe you IMMEDIATELY get out of the throttle. It is like
large marbles shaking in a jar, loudly!
In extreme cases I have removed as much as -7 and -8 degrees to remove Severe Ping. I would
start with -5 degrees to help “zero in” on the area and region needing adjustment then retest.
Testing For Ping
Make sure the engine is at normal operating temperatures. A 70 degree F day after cruising
for 15 minutes should do it.
Test by doing normal steady state cruise and THEN slowly apply throttle.
Visualize the throttle REGION you are passing through as you listen for ping.
Remember, the VERY MOMENT you begin to apply throttle from steady state you WILL be
moving into the Belly of the timing curve.
You should be able to detect “which region” the ping is coming from.
After some experience in making adjustments and the results, you will quickly learn to identify
“where adjustments are needed”.
If you do not have a tachometer, consider that at normal riding speeds from 30 – 50 mph you
are most likely in the 2000 – 2500 rpm range.
If you are cruising at 70+ mph then you are most likely in the 2800+ rpm range.
If you are cruising at 80+ mph then you are most likely in the 3200+ rpm range.
NOTE: If you are lugging the motor at uncomfortable levels or have idle to a slow 15 mph
speed and apply throttle and get ping, you need to adjust 1500 – 2000 rpm timing and
USUALLY all adjustment will be to the Belly of the ignition curve.
Use those estimates to determine the RPM range you suspect the ping is occurring in.
Apply corrections “around” those RPM values to make adjustments.
For Example: If I was cruising at 70mph and every time I apply throttle I get ping, I would
make adjustments in the 2816, 3072 and 3328 rpm pages equally.