What should the timing be on my small block 350? It has an HEI distributor if that makes a difference.Also what is the proper proceedure to time the engine? Thanks guys,I'm still learning.

[Modified by hauk, 12:08 AM 4/1/2003]


[Modified by hauk, 12:25 AM 4/1/2003]

 

According to the Haynes manual for a 73 350, L48 engine 12 degrees BTDC, L82 engine 8 degrees BTDC. Do you know which one you have? Also if you have a 73 with HEI then someone swapped that in since the 73 models came factory with standard points distributor. What other kind of engine mods if any? The reason I ask is the manuals give settings based on stock engines. If there are mods then factory settings may not always be best. It then becomes a trial and error procedure to get the right setting the best performance. The timing is changed by loosening the dist hold down bolt and rotating the dist. On a chevy, rotating clockwise will retard the timing and counterclockwise will advance it. First connect a timing light to the #1 plug wire as close to the plug as posible. Dis-connect and plug the vacuum advance hose to the dist. Start the engine and lower the idle enough to insure the dist weights arent in advancing position, usually below 800rpm. Then take a reading on the scale. Adjust as nessisary by rotating the dist after loosening the hold down. Then re-tighten the hold down and recheck timing. After set, re adjust idle speed and re-connect vacuum hose to dist. This is just the basic method for setting initial timing. One can go further and taylor the advance curve for best performance. Thats a whole other story.