Help With Timing Problems
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 714
Likes: 230
Help With Timing Problems
Vehicle: 1966 Corvette 327-350hp L79. I am the original owner. 49,000 miles. Extremely well maintained and never abused.
Problem: Can’t turn distributor far enough to time correctly.
Situation: I have not driven the car for quite a few years. Last time driven it was running rough. No exhaust unusual smoke. So far the valves have been checked along with heads redone. Sloppy timing chain replaced.
Question: Where do I go from here to correct this situation? What am I missing or doing wrong?
I just finished a body on restoration to bring everything back close to original as I could. I’m 77 years old and want to be able to drive my baby again before I can’t physically get in and out of it. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks for your consideration.
Problem: Can’t turn distributor far enough to time correctly.
Situation: I have not driven the car for quite a few years. Last time driven it was running rough. No exhaust unusual smoke. So far the valves have been checked along with heads redone. Sloppy timing chain replaced.
Question: Where do I go from here to correct this situation? What am I missing or doing wrong?
I just finished a body on restoration to bring everything back close to original as I could. I’m 77 years old and want to be able to drive my baby again before I can’t physically get in and out of it. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks for your consideration.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 15,363
Likes: 2,732
From: Close to DC
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
Rather me tell you, go on You Tube and search among the many videos about setting and timing the distributor on a small block. It doesn't need to be specific for a L-79. Basically, it sounds like your disttrbutor is off one tooth. 
Dennis
Dennis
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,871
Likes: 196
From: Maryland
Also the drive gear dimple should align with the tang on the rotor .assuming you have an oem cam..Proper indexing of the distributor is critical in a Corvette in order to set the timing.
If you are a NCRS member here is a data sheet of how to do including the proper installation of the distributor.
Database of Restoration Documents (ncrs.org)
If you are a NCRS member here is a data sheet of how to do including the proper installation of the distributor.
Database of Restoration Documents (ncrs.org)
Last edited by Donald #31176; May 19, 2023 at 01:16 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 1,013
From: Sacramento, Ca
Here is a link to an article that explains in detail the steps you need to take to get your distributor installed correctly and the ignition timed correctly:
https://corvette-restoration.com/wp-...stallation.pdf
Ted
https://corvette-restoration.com/wp-...stallation.pdf
Ted
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 728
From: Fairfax, Virginia
Another possibility is that the outer ring on your harmonic balancer is slipping or has started to slip making it very difficult to set the timing correctly.
That will move the mark on the outer ring and force your distributor to be turned well past where it can in order to catch up and in your eyes time it correctly. That may not be the issue but it is certainly worth a look. C.J.
That will move the mark on the outer ring and force your distributor to be turned well past where it can in order to catch up and in your eyes time it correctly. That may not be the issue but it is certainly worth a look. C.J.
