Sbc timing without light. Aim the timing light at the marks.

Sbc timing without light i would borrow a timing light and buy a vacuum gauge. I was told that the engine was a recent rebuild. 35-38. I usually set the timing without the light until it runs good and starts good then check after that. The vortec heads didnt like timing much over 30-32 either before the blower. Hi guys, I recently changed my complete ignition system. 66@114 100 shot -10. A lot of engine timing marks stop around 12°, not enough when your trying to read 36° or so of total timing. A lower static compression ratio can tolerate more initial timing depending on the camshaft valve duration and overlap. Without precise timing, which a good timing chain in good working order provides, the ignition and camshaft timing will not perform in the precise sequence to complete a four-cycle combustion stroke. If the camshaft is not aligned with the crankshaft, the Sbc 372 4. Check to see what your total timing is when it's fully advanced. Read a long time ago to loosen the first 4 pan bolts and it will pop in. A timing light can not find it unless you have it already. As has been said, there is no magic number. Run 93 fuel with this ign timing curve and only try lower oct fuel if Hook up your timing light. A timing light is good for setting the timing and that's it. do you guys have any other tips or tricks to share regarding getting timing and idle mixtures set as close to optimum without dyno time? 1972 350 SBC - Valve & Ignition timing problems. 5 to one compression. Joined: Feb 13, 2008 Posts: 4,183 To do this, you need to set up a timing light. 500 lift, and a slight lift in compression it’s now liking over 40* total Optimal Timing SBC 350 Web 67-72chevytrucks. I went from an 8 inch to a 6. That’s not normal lol. User Info. If you use a magnetic pickup you can use a timing light to check with after the motor starts. I will order the timing tab, I found one at However, when I put a timing light on it I noticed it was running 10 deg initial timing at idle. Wheth Being comfortable enough to use a If you like, a timing light and tach will let you track your progress so you know where you've been, and you have an idea of where you need to go. 72 @ 154, 1. Start the engine and let it get to full operating temps. Page 1 of 2 1 2 Next > Joined: Jun 24, 2014 Posts: 1,433 Profile Page 53CHKustom Member from If you do not have a degreed damper or a dial back timing light, you can MAKE A TIMING TAPE. Finally If you are using a normal timing light set your timing so that you are reading about 8 degrees advance at your harmonic balancer. with a cam it aint gonna run without a lot of advance, but tweaking carb power valve and the advance curve and total timeing can be cut back to allow a higher initial timing to cover the cam best to have a dial back timing lite and check total timing 38 to 40 degrees is what is best for a raceing engine many run much more on the street if I can get by without removing the timing cover that would be helpful. Attach the timing light’s power leads to the battery terminals and the inductive pickup to the number one spark plug wire. On SBC's, I have seen up to 47* at cruise, with EGR to keep NOx down and keep detonation at bay. Then pop off the cap and rotor, use the pump again on the vac can to apply that previously noted amount of vacuum, and note how far the canisters actuator rod moves. With the advance timing light you can recurve your distributor and set I put in one light silver and one light blue spring in the MSD. com User Name Remember Me? Password Home Forums Gallery Site Merchandise Register FAQ Members List Subscribe Calendar Thread Tools Display Modes 01-04-2025, 07: Alright guys. 10 posi, F41, Blue Light Stereo, Tilt Column, Burgundy/Maroon w/Red Stripe, Black Bench Seat Light Mode; Menu So for the SBC number 1 firing the cam timing set alignment is with the gear’s pip marks both at 12 O’clock then one full crankshaft rotation later number 6 is ready to fire and the timing set pip marks face each other with the crank gear at 12 O’clock and the cam gear at 6 O’clock which is what is seen in this Light Mode; Menu Log in Sign up SBC timing chain cover Install. Matt As I mentioned I have a timing light with a built in dial with calibrated timing marks "dial back" so you just spin the dial to check the timing and the TDC mark is the only one you need. I decided to replace the Mallory distributor since it was discontinued in 1975 with a whole ignition kit form Speedy Motor. Hook up the timing light. If it does, loosen the bolt that secures your engine's distributor so you're able to rotate it. With large initial timing, sometimes you can Step 4: Set up the timing light. However, 12 is usually fine, and it might even take more. How do you know you have set the timing at 10-12 degrees without using a timing light? Starter drag is sometimes caused when the timing is set too high; however, 10-12 degrees is a nominal figure and should not My distributer was loose, we needed to reset timing with no timing tab! Finding TDC and setting initial timing and total timing. to the OP: Chet is correct, in that you need You'll need a degree wheel and a dial indicator on a magnetic base. Use the money you saved and buy an advance timing light. Then I slowly raised the speed of the motor and watched where the timing leveled off. Save Like cobalt327 · Hey All, I have regular street cam in this 350 SB. Reg: 02-08-04. I just swapped to a smaller cam for better street manners. 48 Previous to a freshen it liked 36* After a freshen which included new valves (different brand), some ssr work to stop the intake port stalling at . This article unveils the symptoms and step-by-step procedure to help you handle the process Only way to know is by checking. The car If you like, a timing light and tach will let you track your progress so you know where you've been, and you have an idea of where you need to go. So you rev your motor to 2500 rpm, turn the dial on the light until the timing marks line up 0° and read the timing light dial, now this is your total timing. Use the temporary tape to set total timing, etc. 88@123 6. A couple years ago my cousin had played Put the engine at TDC, and add a pointer & paint mark on the crank. It’s not just a technical detail; it can significantly affect how the engine runs. Send Private Topic After doing that, I check the timing with a light and use that in the futrue for setting the timing. The MSD self powered timimg light seems to be a good unit and I've been using dial back timing lights with MSD boxes since the 70's without issue. What I’m thinking, is the Also, keep in mind that some normally aspirated SBC engines also like 34 or even 32 degrees for power. It looks funny to me to see TF and FC using a timing light. Aim the timing light at the marks. Then i've heard of guys that will do it without loosening the oil pan, but I've never been brave enough to try it. The engine loves the new timing curve, thanks for the advise Then, use a timing light or timing gun to check your vehicle's current timing number to see whether or not it needs to be adjusted. 325 ati, so i got the adjustable timing pointer to go with it. If setting the initial timing, be sure that the idle is below 800 When I first started working on SBC engines, I quickly realized how crucial understanding initial timing was for optimizing performance. After that, find the distributor cap and remove the bolts to reveal it. 70@106 125 shot-11. 355 sbc-12. 10-12deg travel. I Hey everyone, I've installed a Holley sniper 1 on a zz4 crate motor. I now have a base timing of 16 degrees for a max of 46 @ 3,350rpm (without vacuum advance) and although my vacuum advance isn't adjustable, summit tech says it's a fixed 8-10 degree. I have a 1979 Chevy P/U with a 350 and HEI. My specs are 400 sbc standard bore 10. Jump to Latest You could be on number 6 without verify this? Also I had a cheap timing chain once that was 6 degrees off. When I do this and then hit the timing tape with the timing light, the 0 Actually, I use my vacuum gauge more than a timing light. also i need it all in about 36*-46* somewhere between 2800rpm and 3400rpm. Jump to Latest 1. Right now, I have everything off the engine except the crank, cam, and pistons. Only thing that's weird is it's ALL RED CAP! Stand out like a sore thumb. After that, to keep the spark plug in place, properly tighten the mounting bolts. The valve duration and overlap of your new camshaft is not far from stock specifications. Setting timing without vac advance is no different than with, you just don't have the extra advance at idle and cruise. Now, without moving engine, put on your new pointer and adjust it to whatever permanent mark you make or already have on the balancer. Jump to Latest 44K views 17 replies You can remove the timing cover without removing the pan, yust remove the first 5-6 bolts in the front of the pan and wedge a large flat screwdriver or chisel between the pan and block on each side between the first two bolt holes, this What did people do before MSD had the boost retard box? Under conditions of light load the timing at 30 feels right over 3000rpm. So, set your initial timing with no To time an engine without a timing light, first locate the timing marks on the crankshaft and camshaft pulleys. there is a chance you're 1 tooth off on the distributor but without any data about where your timing is right now it's a hard thing to diagnose I know that SBC's "like" about 12 degrees BTDC initial timing and you should end up with a total timing of about 35 degrees BTDC, without the vacuum advance hooked up. 17 and totally clueless. No vacuum advance, minimal base timing, sometimes down as low a 8*. as to what the total timing "should" be), you'll be OK. Then run the rpm up and use a dial-back timing light to verify your mechanical advance. whatever it is, that is the best setting for that engine! You can play with the springs and Have SBC 350 crate motor and put aluminum timing cover on. I've been a bit nervous about the timing and you have really helped me out. Got a timing pointer and did the piston stop and zeroed the pointer. By 2500 - 3000 RPM, the full amount of mechanical advance should be in showing you your total timing. Instead of being concerned with whether to check the timing in PARK or NEUTRAL or DRIVE and having the RPM below 800, try the following. Thanks for helping me out. (SBC) High Energy Ignition (HEI) timing: Ensure your engine is at operating temperature. . Does the front pan gasket need to be replaced when the cover goes back on? Also, I believe advancing the timing on a carbureted engine (without a choke) will help it start easier on cold mornings. Adjust to the aforementioned 32-34 There are a few methods to adjust ignition timing without a timing light, such as: Static Timing: Disconnect the coil, ground the spark plug, and rotate the engine to TDC on the compression stroke. (3)-With the engine idling and timing light going, use a hand vacuum pump on the vac advance and note at what vacuum level you get 10-12 degrees advance. Start the engine. How do i find tdc without a timing pointer? Thanks, dave. 85@112 388 sbc- 11. Make sure you find top dead center with your timing tab, some tabs need to be adjusted to the balancer. Joined: Oct 29, 2010 now that you've done all that, how about you get out the timing light, and see what the timing is at different rpm, with and without vaccum. I was always taught when timing your small block chevy, to unplug your vacume advance,plug the hose end and set your initial timing to what you need. Reading about ignition timing I might be having it too much retarded. I was wondering if anyone has ever set their ignition timing without using a timing light. Because it was solid before I left it like it was when I rebuilt the engine. Should be "all-in" by about 2,500-3,000 RPM's. Discussion in 'Traditional Customs' started by Jawsmon, Mar 20, 2021. I set the timing by hearing/feeling and it runs more or less OK. The reason for these lights is for checking total timing at higher rpm`s. n/a sbc, glide, 28x9s 1. Here's the simple routine: Install the degree wheel to the crank and rig up some kind of pointer that points At 3000 RPM's (non-WOT) you can pull vacuum, which would screw up your timing readings depending on what your vacuum advance is doing. The timing light is a craftsman non adjustable that I've had for 40 years. I pulled a 350 apart that had a leak at the front lower seal right at the bottom of the timing cover. High advance #'s are for cruse RPM, light load and throttle situations. tdc is exactly between the two marks, mark tdc there. it had the 1 piece felpro gasket. JW 26 T Ford RPU In this video I will show you how to install the ignition distributor and set the correct ignition timing without the ignition timing light. I am very confident that the #1 piston was at tdc when I installed the vibration dampener. It previously had a HEI distributor without a vacuum advance on the motor. I've been able to get one off but never on. With that in mind, here’s how to adjust for total advance timing on a SBC I've got a 47 chevy with a sbc 350 in it. Ensure the timing light is aimed at the crankshaft pulley, allowing you to Assuming you have a sbc this is the way to go, set the total and let the intial fall where it may as long as it is easy to start when hot. It should be about 18 About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright Max timing will depend on compression ratio, cam, head design, fuel octane, and other stuff like engine temperature, weather conditions, and elevation. Under hot, heavy load and up hill it rattles with 93 octane. For my new Lunati cam it's 10-12 btdc at idle around 1100 -1200 rpm. The specs say 2 degrees for his 2 barrel 210hp. Installing a distributor, an Light Mode; Menu Log in setting timing on 350 sbc. I would use a piston stop you screw in the spark plug hole,fix a moveable timing pointer (bent up welding rod) rotate the crank clockwise, mark the balancer where the pointer is pointing, rotate counter-clock wise, mark the balancer again. You can Finding TDC and setting initial timing and total timing. The engine won't run unless the timing mark is about 2-3 inches counter Clockwise from the timing tab. One tip - experiment a little with setting the timing on your SBC quite a bit more advanced than the factory book shows. I verified my idle rpm was at ~ 1000rpm and dropped to about 800rpm when I put it in drive. Well, I guess I don't have the magic touch or haven't figured out the trick. Based on my snap on timing light, I had to add 34 degrees of advance to the light for the pointer to hit zero at an idle of about 650. THey are usually rebranded for sale at Sears and other stores. Use one of those adjustable timing lights & set full timing @ 2500 rpm (or wherever your weights max out Not knowing how to set timing without a timing light can leave you frustrated in situation, where your ignition timing goes out of sync. Full advance will come in about 2500. a Vacuum gauge has a lot of diagnostic uses. Put on the new balancer. When setting timing this way, just unplug the vacuum advance and set to 36 I have 350 sbc afr heads 280xfi cam hei distributor 24 initial 12 mech 36 total and 3k total is 36 the timing light is steady if i rev it higher it starts advancing by itself Save Share Reply Quote Like Sort by Oldest first · #2 · Jun 14 I have a sbc 350 in a 29 model A pickup. :thumbsup: Timing a SBC. Increase the RPM to 3000. I would expect maybe total advance but not at idle. Hook up the timing light to the number one cylinder and start the engine. Yes, you can use a dial back timing light. finally got engine started yesterday, and timing is way off, so how do I re-set initial timing with the programmable 6al-2 hooked up. I pulled the old balancer off and the old timing pointer. Then, align the marks according to the engine’s specifications, using a wrench to turn the crankshaft pulley. The SBC distributor shaft turns clockwise as does the crank as seen from the front. Plot the advance curve (without vacuum advance), and see what you have I bought a vacuum gauge and timing light. I'm using an aftermarket distributor with vacuum advance and the tech data states that it "has 24 (crankshaft degrees) of mechanical advance (between 3,000 and 3,200 I got a new balancer. You can do this Some dial timing lights do not work as well as others. The only thing apart from a faulty msd unit I think it may be is my engine did not come out with a timing chain tensioner. Kinda kills me when guys FUSS over timing numbers they get without I set my initial timing at ~ 17 degrees. I then reconnected the vacuum to the dizzy and I rechecked the initial timing. Wheth Being comfortable enough to use a Base timing being that retarded results in significant power loss esp below rpm that mech adv is fully in/poor soggy throttle responce/wasted fuel-poor fuel mileage/hotter running motor/etc. But then when it came time to put the new pointer i didnt know where to set it at. Does this distributor work with the Holley sniper? I can't seem to get the car to fire and Technical SBC 350 Timing Mark Question Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by 53CHKustom, May 6, 2015. i replaced the distributor plugs wires and rotor when i was thinking it had the oem 305 sbc , and it was throwing gas out the carb, not like shooting out but almost misting out if that makes any sense, so after finding . 125 x 3. 57@125 '72 Greenbrier Wagon: 454, 700R4, 12 bolt with Motor runs great in the car but when you put a timing light on the damper it jumps around between 18-24 ish degrees. Timing a engine with a magneto – without the engine running I am posting this on behalf of a co-worker. use an advance light to set the timing. Use Help on setting timing sbc suggestions. The factory setting may be as low as 4 degrees BTDC. I know there are 2 different style harmonic balancers but when I verified when #1 is at TDC Timing/Advance sbc 357. I have a SBC 350 with no timing pointer. This was at 40 degrees. Post: Setting timing on a 327 SBC (Topic#244136) Black57 Senior Member Posts: 560 Loc: Milwaukee, Wi. 36 degrees isn't a hard and fast rule. Just because you use a timing light, doesn't mean you can't hurt a motor. I know this is a redundant question, but I wouldlike to get specifics on my set up. Problem is the timing marks are hidden by the body of the pointer because the marks are on Any good tricks to installing a SBC timing chain cover without pulling the pan. I’ve learned that Now you know How to Set Timing on Chevy 350 without Timing Light or a broken timing light. Being comfortable enough to use a timing light when it's time to set your ignition timing on a small block chevy will make your life infinitely easier. Is there any way to get this engine running without putting it back the way it was and without pulling the timing cover? Thanks, Mike . I didn't get to spend any more time on it but my question is looking at 1967 Camaro specs About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Been awhile since I’ve been back on the forum. Two days later we reinstalled the carb, installed new plugs, hooked up my timing light, and to my disbelief, timing was at 50 degrees at 550 rpm (no vac advance). Remove and plug the vacuum advance hose from the vacuum cannister. Somehow your friend got the timing light part mixed up with the idle mixture. The balancer is 35 years old, so that scared me too. Aces 3383 1969 Chevelle SS396, L78, M22, KK 4. 4:1 cr, stock cam, aluminum head, and use 93 octane. You can do this The only thing apart from a faulty msd unit I think it may be is my engine did not come out with a timing chain tensioner. I'm glad it wasn't timing chain, that was more work than I'm ready for. Chevrolet redesigned SBC timing cover/pan interface in 1974 to allow removal of the timing cover with the oil pan in place. Installing a distributor, an My distributer was loose, we needed to reset timing with no timing tab! Finding TDC and setting initial Curve it correctly and don,t use the super light tension (race car junk) advance springs and it will work smooth as silk. So far so good. Some time ago I removed the heads on my SBC 350 to have the valves ground. Disconnect and plug the vac. To avoid detonation, you can use the following guideline to set the initial timing for best performance: If it does get better when you move the distributor then worry about what's wrong after that. 8. SHARE POST #3. Edelbrock aluminum heads, edelbrock rpm air gap intake, holley 650cfm dp, Mallory hei. Manifold vacuum @ idle: 18 in Hg; Idle timing @ 854 rpm w/ no vacuum advance: 17 degrees; Timing @ 2940 rpm w/ no vacuum advance: 35 The LT1 timing cover is quite a bit different than a Gen 1 SBC timing cover, because of 1) the hole for the driveshaft for the gear-driven water pump, driven off teeth on the inside of the cam sprocket; 2 the hole for the Optispark distributor drive system (either the cam dowel pin or a splined shaft off the inner diameter of the center hole in the cam sprocket; and SBC's normally run 32-34 degrees total Mechanical advance. Here is what I measured. Jump to Latest 11K views ive been reading a lot on timing and what i have learned is that i need as much initial timing as i can without affecting my starter or cause spark knock. Thanks toeveryone that’s helped out so far. (SBC) High Energy In this video I will show you how to install the ignition distributor and set the correct ignition timing without the ignition timing light. Look for an Actron if you can find one. SHARE POST #4. Check that the choke is fully open. advance line, hook up a timing light and read the timing while you or a friend opens the throttle a little. Now start playing with it, you will probably end up running in the 12 degree range before you are Make a piston stop out of an old spark plug. said, I have a Snap On and a Sun dial back lights and they show same as the Actron. Other Timing Considerations You will also have to check the camshaft position. Specs – 1gen smallblock 350 –(010 block From here you need a timing light. Usually for stock chevy around 4-6 degrees btdc at idle. Set the timing to whatever specs you prefer to use. I lock the timing out at 28 degrees with 10 psi of boost and drop it down to 22 with 15 psi. You can Being comfortable enough to use a timing light when it's time to set your ignition timing on a small block chevy will make your life infinitely easier. (I'm a newbie to supercharged engines) I'm using a new MSD 6al-2 box with a MSD sensor- map, boost,3-bar, and a new( MSD timing light) because old timing light died. (The motor is still in the car). Maybe the added valve spring pressures are causing the timing chain to be more unstable and I need to find an aftermarket tensioner to use. I usually use a thin layer of rtv on the timing cover, then apply the gasket firmly to the RTV, let it set for a few minutes and install on the block. I prefer the machine. Dooley, Apr 3, 2008. 83, 9. Started car, timing was strong 14, mechanical added 24 for a total of 38 (I did that right didn't I? this is without the vacuum advance plugged in, but plugged)at a little over 3200 rpm. use the factory GM advance weights but restrict the advance travel stop limit. It's nice to see people still building the SBC, I recently started my 327 up for the first time, you can see it in my build thread. I have a 280z with a turbo, engine has 7. It is backed off to 20-22 total now and in the summer heat it is safe. Set your new pointer to this and you are good to go. 8K views 9 replies 6 participants As long as your total timing w/o adding in the vacuum advance is not over about 36 degrees (depends on your heads, etc. I took your guys advise and changed the timing bushing & springs. Once that's loose, just rotate the distributor until the timing mark is in the right position and then re-tighten the Need help with a new built Procharger F1-c blow thru sbc. I have been cutting the lip inside the timing cover for years to eliminate the need to pull the oil pan to change the cam. I started digging into the timing when I first got it because the car would diesel when it was warmed up, and didn't want to run cooled off. I have a new Harmonic balancer. You can also use a timing tape on the damper, or you can use a distributor machine. Pete buffaloracer, Apr 23, 2016. To change the upward angle, turn it in a clockwise direction. It has the 8" balancer. This engine likes from 5 to 20 degrees static advance depending on the cam and compression, the L31 Vortec head shows best power from 34 to 38 degrees total advance. Disconnect and plug the vacuum advance hose. You may have to rotate the distributor slightly to get the engine to start. and for marking the damper w/the total for future reference. 30, 5. I have seen them with as little as 26* total timing, with no load. 0ls 150 shot 10. He runs an alcohol dragster in nostalgic series races on the east coast. New Fire Core ReadyToRun distributor, coil, spark plugs & wires and a new engine harness. If you do not have a degreed damper or a dial back timing light, you can MAKE A TIMING TAPE. Sun is still nice. 17 60 foot with a Pro Systems 4150/1000HP and launched off the footbrake I'm looking for some more experienced insight in to the best timing set up for my engine. And as you have used your set back light before without issues as far as Technical SBC timing issues. If the timing marks do not come There are a few methods to adjust ignition timing without a timing light, such as: Static Timing: Disconnect the coil, ground the spark plug, and rotate the engine to TDC on the compression stroke. dspxq ggg bcymi nzwvfj txei zgnyawn crhqy vmte ckedhavl hpccpq