8 degrees eh? Interesting number... and I will tell you why...

A very big and common problem with these old systems now, and so far unmentioned by anyone, is the map sensor in the ECU dies and cannot see boost anymore and thus the timing stays static. In these cases the base ignition angle tends to end up at... wait for it.... 8 degrees... otherwise it dets its brains out on 97ron from about 10 upwards.

Maybe the tuner knew exactly what he was doing, but not why this vehicle needed so little advance. Very few people understand Bosch KE and understandably so, its prehistoric and quirky at best.

Also, given this chap is overseas, he likely isnt running the same octane fuel as us. How come nobody has asked him? Tweak with caution boys... Internet tuning can be very dangerous. LOL