Ignition timing 1.6 gti, head scratcher?!

When i stick the timing gun light into the flywheel hole on top of the gearbox and i get the little notch to sit in the middle of the hole im on 20 degree's advance according to the gun, but the engine feels best at that point, if i then move the distibuter and go to TDC or 0 degree's advance the engine runs very poorly, heating up quickly and very little power. What could i have done wrong?
Nick

for what its worth, to get mine running it's best, I've had to advanced mine somewhat….by ear though, just slightly off-pinking

nick82 said

When i stick the timing gun light into the flywheel hole on top of the gearbox and i get the little notch to sit in the middle of the hole im on 20 degree's advance according to the gun, but the engine feels best at that point, if i then move the distibuter and go to TDC or 0 degree's advance the engine runs very poorly, heating up quickly and very little power. What could i have done wrong?
Nick

Hi Nick,
have you double checked your cam timing?
if you want to  pm me with your mobile,I am Mytchett about 8 miles from you and you could bring it over and i will double check things for you
also if you have an adjustable timing light that is a cheap one sometimes though very very rarely the figures shown can be wrong
cheers

Hi guys, thanks for the advice i was planning to do a 1.8t conversion but after buying that and looking ahead im not so sure so wanted to see if i could get my engine perfect and see how happy that leaves me, as to sell on the other to keep this one, just didnt realise it was going to be an arse!!
PM'd you!
Nick