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Ignition Timing

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Old Sep 12, 2004 | 07:21 PM
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Default Ignition Timing

I haven't been around in a while My wife and I just bought our first house 4 months ago I have been so busy doing things to the house I haven't used the Vette at all this summer. But I have a week off from work and no money left to do anything to the house so It's time to use the vette. does any one know what the ingnition timing should be on my vette? It is an 81 but I took out the computer and stuff and just have a regular GM hei Dist. What should I set the timing to and at what rpm. Also does anyone know what the timing should be for the different spring combinations with a Mr. Gasket advance curve kit. Any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks.
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Old Sep 12, 2004 | 07:49 PM
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Base timing is 6 degrees BTDC. That is with EMC or Vacum Advance disconnected.
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Old Sep 12, 2004 | 07:50 PM
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I can give you some GENERAL guidance for a generic SBC that will probably get you real close. You will need either a degree tape on the balancer or a dial back timing light to set the timing and map the curve.

At something between 2500 and 3000 RPM (earlier is better), with the vacuum advance disconnected, all the mechanical advance should be in and you should see about 36-38* total advance. With the vacuum connected, you should get about another 16*, which will give you something in the low 50's cruising down the road. When you open the throttle, the advance will return to the 36-38* setting, and you shouldn't have a problen with detonation.
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Old Sep 12, 2004 | 07:51 PM
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Originally Posted by jaybird81
What should I set the timing to and at what rpm. Also does anyone know what the timing should be for the different spring combinations with a Mr. Gasket advance curve kit. Any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks.
At what rpm will depend upon your particular distributor. Most stock curves don't reach total advance until 4-5K but yours (after you've replaced the springs) should peak much lower than that. I generally recommend installing the lightest springs and see what you get. If it's too agressive (pinging or surging at low rpm) replace one of the springs with the next heavier and try again. The goal is to get as much of your timing in as early as is practical. How early you can bring it in depends on several factors, including gearing and car weight. To determine where your distributor reaches total, rev it (vacuum advance disconnected) until the marks stop advancing. 36º is a good total for most engines but yours may like a little more/less. After setting it there, check what your initial is and you'll know how much the distributor adds (total minus initial = centrifugal).
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