Ferrari Mailing List: Standard vs U.S. Spec. ignition timing

[Rick Lindsay (rolindsay]

Hello Friends,

I have an '83 Mondial QV with the electronic ignition modules, synchronized to 
the TDC sensor and fed by the RPM sensor.  This car is a true 'gray market' 
car.  It was imported to the U.S. new and specifically to go around FoNA. That 
being said, a few tweaks were added to the car to 'federalize' it.  An oxygen 
sensor was added, with its little control box, controlling an inserted valve 
used to modulate the fuel pressure feed to the fuel distributor.  That's all 
since been removed.

What I am interested in learning is based upon comments Ric Rainbolt made, 
regarding Jim Wilcox's 308GT4, when they were discussing ignition timing.  The 
U.S. cars are timed differently from the European cars.  Its an EPA thing.  But 
since my car is European, I suspect that the ignition modules are timed to that 
specification, not the U.S. setting.

Are there different model numbers for the different modules?  I can't imagine 
that the TDC sensor was offset to change the timing.  That would be very 
difficult, and silly - not the Italians are immune to silliness.

This topic is a parallel to Peter's questions about cam timing.  Anyone have 
insight into this ignition timing variation?

rick