Retarded timing

[Dom]

Would anyone be able to tell me the main symptoms to notice when running an engine with the ignition timing too retarded?
I.e. rough running / back firing etc?

I have just installed Lumenition electronic ignition, but have not got around to setting the timing properly. Just by ear.

[Pete126]

If its too far retarded you lose the bottom end pulling power, if its too far advanced it will be quiker off the mark but you lose the top end and the engine pinks in the higher gears under load. The only way to time electronic ignition is by using a strobe light, you can't set it statically.