Brent,   I agree with most of your usual excellent message.

 

>>Regarding variable timing on turbocharged engines, IMHO it is a wasted effort. Most ignition systems have some facility to retard the timing during starting. Once a turbocharged engine is started it will spend most of its power producing life in a very narrow range of operating parameters (2,400 - 2,700 RPM and 65-100% power) compared to an automotive engine (1,500 - 6,000 RPM and 10-100% power) . As Taylor observed, there is a minimum effect of timing changes at high power settings. The complexity of adding variable timing is not justified by the minimal performance gains.<<

 

At one time,  I totally agreed with the thought  you expressed, above.  

 

However,  subsequent consideration, investigation,  and testing has revealed  some surprising benefits for turbocharged engines from *properly executed*  variable timing.  

 

Next time you are down south of Mason-Dixon,  please find an excuse to drop in and see us.   We can discuss it and if we have an engine up and running on the test stand,  I think I can show you why it has more merit than it might at first appear based on the analysis you have stated.

 

Regards,  George