might of jumped on the timing belt

"Robbi" > wrote in message
news:zBeCe.45114$rb6.1004@lakeread07...
> The ignition timing on my '90 Miata (manual 5-speed) needs to be set w-a-y
> out of specs (about 18 degrees BTDC instead of 10) for the car to have any
> pick-up at all. At that setting, the car idles well and drives well, but
> has a very pronounced hesitation/flat spot when starting from a
> stand-still and I need to pump the accelerator to increase the RPM before
> releasing the clutch.
>
> Any ideas out there what might be wrong with it? The sparkplugs are good,
> and so are the ignition wires.
>
> Thanks! -- Robbi.