Emergency Questions on advancing timing
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Teching In
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Corpus Christi, Texas
Emergency Questions on advancing timing I have a 79 camaro 350 in a 82 firebird. Intake, carb, headers, and a MSD ignition. I gapped the plugs to .05 like the MSD says. I want to advance the timing but do not know how much to do it. I do not know the stock timing, also need help. Can somebody help me please. i want to try to do this tonight so I can try to get some power out of this motor to see what it stands motor before I get my cam. I also have a timing gun but know somewhat how to use it. I know someone out there knows how to do this. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />
Re: Emergency Questions on advancing timing Stock smog initial timing was approx 8 deg BTDC. Try 12-14 deg BTDC. The engine will feel more responsive.
I've found that 36 deg total timing (w/vacuum advance line plugged) makes the best power for near stock SBC. If you still got low compression dished pistons and stock 76 cc heads, the stock distributor's advance curve can be quickened to give you a good SOTP feel. The stock timing was taylored to meeting emmission standards and not performance. There is ALOT of improvement to be had with distributor adjustments/"hot rodding".
There's so much more to get into. Hopefully I gave you enough to start. If you got questions post em!
I've found that 36 deg total timing (w/vacuum advance line plugged) makes the best power for near stock SBC. If you still got low compression dished pistons and stock 76 cc heads, the stock distributor's advance curve can be quickened to give you a good SOTP feel. The stock timing was taylored to meeting emmission standards and not performance. There is ALOT of improvement to be had with distributor adjustments/"hot rodding".
There's so much more to get into. Hopefully I gave you enough to start. If you got questions post em!
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From: Upstate NY
Re: Emergency Questions on advancing timing Listen to nuzee.
You might try setting total timing at a higher rpm, but only if you have a dial-back light, someone who really knows how to use it, and are sure all the mechanical advance is in at your timing rpm, and any vacuum advance is disconnected during the setting. Otherwise try tthe 12-14 as nuzee said. Listen for "pinging" at lower rpm (2000-3000) under heavy load (high gear) and full throttle. If you hear it, back off a couple of degrees at a time.
You might try setting total timing at a higher rpm, but only if you have a dial-back light, someone who really knows how to use it, and are sure all the mechanical advance is in at your timing rpm, and any vacuum advance is disconnected during the setting. Otherwise try tthe 12-14 as nuzee said. Listen for "pinging" at lower rpm (2000-3000) under heavy load (high gear) and full throttle. If you hear it, back off a couple of degrees at a time.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 43
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From: Corpus Christi, Texas
Re: Emergency Questions on advancing timing Hey thanks, I did not think anyone was going to answer. I wanted it for last night, I think we advanced it. It has the vacum advance. I know you disconnect it with the timing light. Now when you use it, if you are on the drivers side to advance you move the distributor counter clockwise. Is this correct? I have the dial on the balancer. I wanted to test it out before I got my cam. It will be coming in this weekend, 262H CompXtremeEnergy. the little markers, are they 2 degrees every mark.
Re: Emergency Questions on advancing timing Advance is counter-clockwise and each mark is 2 degrees.
Remember vacuum advance is for part throttle crusing mpg. You want to concentrate on getting your mechanical & initial advance set right for WOT runs.
OldSSstroker, thanks for the support! I've read your past threads on "old school" trannies, etc. and have been impressed with your knowledge.
Anyway, that 262XE should wake-up your combo nicely! Good luck!
Remember vacuum advance is for part throttle crusing mpg. You want to concentrate on getting your mechanical & initial advance set right for WOT runs.
OldSSstroker, thanks for the support! I've read your past threads on "old school" trannies, etc. and have been impressed with your knowledge.
Anyway, that 262XE should wake-up your combo nicely! Good luck!
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 43
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From: Corpus Christi, Texas
Re: Emergency Questions on advancing timing thanks for both of yall lettimg me know. I am trying to be right ther with my friend in his 92 mustang. He advanced his timing from stock 10 to 15 or 17 and he ran a 14.37 with his standard car.
