Timing advance question
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 137
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Timing advance question
I have a solid lifter 350 that is supposed to be timed a 8 degrees BTDC. I currently have it timed at 12 degrees BTDC. It just seems to run better with a little advance. Will running the car with this timing have any negative affects on the motor? Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,711
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From: San Antonio TX
Re: Timing advance question (mulchie)
No, not if you're not experiencing detonation or ping. Factory timing specs are not necessarily optimal timing, just a one size fits all due to manufacturing tolerances and emissions considerations. There is a lot to be gained...or destroyed by tuning your initial, centrifugal, and vacuum advance.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Re: Timing advance question (gerry72)
Your better off checking the total timing. If your balancer is degreed you can see how much advance your dist is really letting the engine get. You want a total of about 36 to 38 degrees. You can either rev the motor up or remove the springs off the weights in the dist and this will show how much total timing you are getting. If the dist has some miles on it you are probably getting more than you think. Things wear out in there and allow more timing than is normal, as said previous factory timing specs are not optimal performance specs.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Re: Timing advance question (mulchie)
You want all your timing in by 3000 rpm. Can't help you wit hthe timing light. Most factory dist. Come in later than 3000 for emissions. You will probably need lighter springs if it comes in later. I took my dist to a performance shop with a dist machine and had them set it all up. Cost me 40 bucks but it came back tailored for my engine. Big difference in drivability
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
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From: Living in the Hartland
Re: Timing advance question (mulchie)
Guy at work gave me a ggod idea for timing marks. Instead actually appling the timing tape to your balancer, make sure you have tdc set right, put the wrap teh timing tape around with actual taking the backing off, then use some white pain with a very fine brush to mark 36 and 38 degrees. Of course this is only good for the total timing but you could mark all your degrees if you like. This way you don't have to worry about the tape slipping or coming off. Of course your balancer could slip but that's another topic.
