Setting the timing
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: Savannah Ga.
Setting the timing
Everyone says set the initial at 12 with vacuum disconnected and plugged then make sure you get total 36 degrees in around 3000-3500 rpm.
Ok, done that.(couldn't get to 36 yet). Just happened to hook the vac advance up and was curious to see what the initial would be........it was 32 degrees at idle!!!!!! Is this NORMAL??? I'm using manifold vacuum on a new Summit dizzy. (1981 SB with computer removed and different Qjet)
Ok, done that.(couldn't get to 36 yet). Just happened to hook the vac advance up and was curious to see what the initial would be........it was 32 degrees at idle!!!!!! Is this NORMAL??? I'm using manifold vacuum on a new Summit dizzy. (1981 SB with computer removed and different Qjet)
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
sounds fairly normal.......
did you read this sticky post? http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1430339
did you read this sticky post? http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1430339
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
actually, most people will tell you to set to 36º total timing with the vac can disconnected and the hose plugged.
With it set at 36º total timing and a desirable mechanical advance curve dialed in your initial should fall arounf the 12º -14º intial timing range at idle.
AFTER you have gone through a correct and complete distributor set up procedire where you KNOW what the advance curve it, what your mechanical advance it, etc THAN as a quick check or quicky tune-up you can simply set your initial timing for 12º or so and let it go because than you will know your total timing is going to fall at the 36º setting. Unless you already know this now simply setting the initial timing at 12º without knowing where the total timing is falling is a crap shoot and you may be way too high or way too low.
See my sticky thread referenced in the previous post and read the referenced articles in it for a more detailed explanation.
With it set at 36º total timing and a desirable mechanical advance curve dialed in your initial should fall arounf the 12º -14º intial timing range at idle.
AFTER you have gone through a correct and complete distributor set up procedire where you KNOW what the advance curve it, what your mechanical advance it, etc THAN as a quick check or quicky tune-up you can simply set your initial timing for 12º or so and let it go because than you will know your total timing is going to fall at the 36º setting. Unless you already know this now simply setting the initial timing at 12º without knowing where the total timing is falling is a crap shoot and you may be way too high or way too low.
See my sticky thread referenced in the previous post and read the referenced articles in it for a more detailed explanation.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 683
Likes: 0
From: mississauga ON
Originally Posted by mdj21
sounds fairly normal.......
With the advance can connected to manifold vacuum you will
probably be getting the full vacuum advance at idle. Sounds like your can is rated
to deliver about 20*. Sounds normal.
