Required tools:
Timing light Wire cutters 12mm ½ deep-well socket ½ drive ratchet 13mm ¼" drive socket ¼" drive ratchet
Required supplies:
18 - 22 gauge wire (about 3" of it) A helper(optional)

This article is designed to advance the timing to 16°BTDC from the stock 10°BTDC on a Mazda BP engine, found in 91-96 Ford Escort GT and 90-94 Mazda Protege. This will increase Horsepower and Torque significantly, as well as increase fuel economy. This modification is intended for more advanced users, as any mistakes could lead to severe engine damage.

1. Connect the timing light to the Positive and Negative battery terminals and the #1 spark plug wire.
2. Start the engine and let it come up to normal operating temperature.
3. Locate the Data Link Connector which is found at the top right hand side of your engine bay.
4. While the engine is at normal operating temperature, flip the cover off the located above. On the backside of the cover there is a schematic of the terminals. Strip the ends of the 18-22 gauge wire and jumper terminals GND and TEN (see image 2A). This will cause you engine to slow but at normal operating temp. it will NOT stall out.
5. Locate the timing marks with the timing light. This maybe difficult to see but they are defiantly there. I have painted the markings white for you to see, yours however will be black. When shooting the markings with the light while engine is running it will read 10°BTDC.
6. Locate to two mounting bolts for the distributor (see image 3A). With the 12mm ½ deep-well socket and the ½ drive ratchet, carefully loosen the two mounting bolts just enough for you to slowly move it, not to loose.
7. This is were a helper may be of assistance. While shooting the timing light at the marks, which should be still reading about 10°BTDC, have your helper slowly turn the distributor. As your helper is turning the distributor your timing mark should slowly be advancing toward the direction of the firewall. Each line represents 2° of crankshaft rotation, therefore 3 lines would equal 6° of crankshaft rotation.
8. Have your helper rotate the distributor until your timing mark reads 16°BTDC (before Top Dead Center). Top Dead Center or TDC is the first longer line with a 'T' after it, representing the position of the piston in cylinder #1 which would be at 0° or the highest point of rotation.
9. At this point have your helper tighten down the mounting bolts of the distributor while you check to make sure the mark hasn't moved, still reading 16°BTDC. Once verified, disconnect the timing light from the plug wire and the battery terminals. Also disconnect the jumper on the Data Link Connector and close the cover. and idle will rise to normal.
10. Finally, turn off the ignition and use the 13mm ¼" drive socket, ¼" drive ratchet and remove the negative battery terminal, press and hold the brake pedal down for 30sec to 1min, continue to leave the negative terminal disconnected for 5-10mins to assure the EEC is reset. Then connect the terminal and start the engine letting it idle for 10mins. You must drive the car normally at first for the EEC to relearn the settings.

As a precaution, use 93 octane fuel with this modification to prevent spark knock. If only 91 octane fuel can be used for economy or availability reasons, do not advance more than 14°. Under all circumstances never do this mode with 84 or 87 Octane fuel. You have the chance of detonation with stock heat range plugs.

Also see

• Ford Escort & ZX2 section for the entire index of all Ford Escort and ZX2 related articles.