timing?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
timing?
I have a 400 block with the L82 heads and manifold. When i set the timing to about 12 the car idles ok but when i put it in gear it almost
goes dead. When i set the timing at 14 it runs fine. What can i do to set the best time. I do not no what kind of cam i have (just bought it)
And if i change my distributor to a highperformance, will it help the performance or not change
goes dead. When i set the timing at 14 it runs fine. What can i do to set the best time. I do not no what kind of cam i have (just bought it)
And if i change my distributor to a highperformance, will it help the performance or not change
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,379
Likes: 6,390
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Set your total timing to 36 degrees and let the initial fall where it may - it will most likely be in the 16-18 degree range. This is best for peak power and performance, and it will cure your problem. Also, make sure your vacuum advance control unit is functional and that it's hooked up to a manifold vacuum source (not ported).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Connecticut
If it runs better at 14, without pinging, leave it there. Go to corvettefaq.com and read the ignition timing instructions by a guy named lars, it'll get you where you need to be. And don't waste your money on a new distributor. Joe
edit: look at that, lars himself answered while I was typing!
edit: look at that, lars himself answered while I was typing!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,379
Likes: 6,390
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Hi Joe!! Glad to see you're helping me preach the "gospel" on timing!! There are too many slow Corvettes out there that need to be converted... 
