NEED HELP IGNTION TIMING FIRST TIMER???????????????????!!!!!!!!!
<UL><LI>all these with vac disconected on a MSD HEI ignition.
<LI>10 @ idle
<LI>25 degree @ 2000.
<LI>26 @ 2500
<LI> when the vac is connected it does not kick in untill high rpms.
<LI>26 @ 2500
<LI>26@ 3000
<LI>42@ 4000
This is the first time that i have messed with the timing. What do you guys recommend?
Use ported vacuum. It's looks like you are. You should see about 50-52 degrees with the ported vacuum.
I'd try lighter springs to bring the mechanical curve in as I said above, and let the idle advance be what it may. Most guys see 10-16 degrees at idle.
If you're only getting 16º centrifugal, something is wrong. What is the idle rpm? If you have a high idle speed, some of the centrifugal advance may already be in, leaving less to come in later. If that is the case, your actual initial timing could be lower than you think it is. Have you checked the total without vacuum advance at a higher rpm? Is this a new distributor that hasn't been recurved? Most MSD's I've seen come out of the box with a mid-range curve and don't reach full advance until well past 3k rpm.
The 16º of vacuum advance sounds right but not the delay until 4k rpm. On a no-load engine, you should see full vacuum advance by 2k or earlier depending on manifold vacuum and the canister used. Your 42º is about 10º below where it should be. The first thing I'd do is set your timing to 36º at 4k (or wherever it stops advancing). Shut it down and restart. If the engine wants to kick back against the starter, your problem remains. If not, it's been solved.












