Originally Posted by Christian and Beccy

Karl - This is why we have our opinion that timing need to be set in one of two places. Rolling road or engine dyno.

Retarded timing = high EGT's

However, without measuring the effects of timing changes, you couldn't ever really truly know where the optimum point is. On the dyno, you can make timing changes, whilst monitoring power/torque output and EGT's (or if thats not available, the physical appearance of the turbo/manifold) which goes a long way towards gauging advance/retard and whats actually beneficial.

Really, in my opinion, the engine will be at its happiest in terms of safety and temperatures close to the point where it makes most power. OK, if you're peak power is at or close to the limit of internals etc, then thats not entirely true, but generally thats the case.