Timing on C3
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: winterville NC
Timing on C3
Hey guys I bought a 1979 vette about 3 years ago, and due to crazy work and other issues I really have not worked on it a lot. The car has a new stock 350 motor in it and I just put some headers on my baby. The reason I am posting this thread is I am kinda disappointed in the power that the vette has and I have heard so much about making sure the timing is set correctly on it. I mean she will not even spin the wheels at take off, but from 40mph to 80 or 90 it is decent, not great but decent. I want to know if there are any thoughts on this, lol trust me I am not trying to run 10:50 in the 1/4 mile but I would think it would be better than what I have so far....Thanks in advance
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 150
From: Forth Worth TX
While a proper tune up will help, you haven't provided enough information as to what you actually have.
A new stock 350 motor? What does that mean? Maybe it's only 165hp, like a 1975 L48.
You installed headers. Do you have a true dual exhaust system or the 2-1-2 through a CAT that originally came on a 1979?
She will not even spin the tires. Do you have an automatic with a 3.08 rear end?
A new stock 350 motor? What does that mean? Maybe it's only 165hp, like a 1975 L48.
You installed headers. Do you have a true dual exhaust system or the 2-1-2 through a CAT that originally came on a 1979?
She will not even spin the tires. Do you have an automatic with a 3.08 rear end?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: winterville NC
sorry you are correct, the headers run straight out the back to the mufflers at the rear, all the smog is off of it and yes it is an automatic with a 3.08 rear end. I will run some numbers to find out the exact HP on motor
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 128
From: Rhine Georgia
79s have a 3.55 rear with automatic, Unless someone has changed it 
I feel your pain my 79 would not brake the tires loose when I got it either.
I feel your pain my 79 would not brake the tires loose when I got it either.
Last edited by Bloodzone; Mar 5, 2016 at 09:46 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 128
From: Rhine Georgia
I didn't change my timing curve till I switched engines. I went from a stock L48 to a crate 383. So I can't say what it will do for you. But it made a noticeable improvement for me. It took some research (Lars papers) and I had to change my vac advance canister and install lighter springs in my HEI. It made the car much better off the line. It was a great low cost mod that I'm very happy with.
