I have been following a few of the lastest threads on timing and now I am really confused. I see that 36 deg total mechanical advance seems to be the number everybody is talking about. I read lars paper and it talks about chevy small bocks. Is this true for BB?
I have a new gen6 crate 454/440 hp alum head motor in the car.
Should I be after the 36 deg number as well?
I just purchased a new HEI tach driven dist. on e-bay. Nice unit but didn't come with any paper work. How do I know which springs are in it? Do I just check it as is described in LARS paper and if I can't get to the 36 deg number at 2700 go ahead and change the springs? Are the springs all the same as far as fit? How do i know which one's fit my new distributor?
Also lars paper says to install soft springs then rev untill advance is pegged and set at 36. Reinstall orig springs and start motor. It may kick a little due to advance coming in without the springs. Didn't i just reinstall the orig springs?
I'm sure i'm missing something so maybe my hr drive home from work will give me more time to think about it.
I would appreciate any tips to get me through this.
the car is just not running as strong as it should and I know it's in the distibiutor.
The orig distributor was cracked so i know thats part of the problem but i want to get this new HEI in and set up properly.
Thanks

 

As far as the springs and weights go the distributors are the same-literally small block and big block interchange. Also did you get a dyno sheet with the motor? This will also help get everything working together.