Classic/Antique Car Repair: engine timing, cruise speed, street cars

Question
I have a 1959 Nash Metropolitain with a 1500 Austin A50 engine and cannot find the proper timing setting. Thanks in advance  

Answer
Hi Darren,
Timing will be OK to use the 1500 MGA settings of 7 deg static setting or with a timing light at 600 RPM at 11 deg.
That engine is used in the 1500 MGA.
Timing is also subject to the grade of gas used. It should run OK on the above settings.

To get the most performance, you can also do the following to see if a more advanced timing can be used.
Set the timing as above and get the engine up to operating temp and have the fuel you intend to use in the car.
Loosen the distributor and with the engine at idle quickly open the throttle and close it. You should not hear a pinging sound. Then advance the timing a few deg. and do it again. If no pinging advance the timing again by a few deg. Do this until you get a pinging then retard the timing by several deg. Lock the dist down and take the car out on the road. Run in high gear at a little below cruse speed and open the throttle for a short burst and listen for the pinging. If it pings retard the timing a few degrees more and try again. You should be able to accelerate hard from a little below cruise speed without any pinging. Now check to see what the timing is and that is the max timing you can use for that gas under those conditions. This is providing the carburetor is correct and the engine is not burning oil. The most performance (as for timing) on any gas engine is advanced to just before pinging (detonation). Most of the older street cars are factory set much below that point.
I hope this helps
Howard