CamaroX84

My setup is in the sig. I have the adjustable billet MSD distributor with mechanical advance. I have the base timing at 8 degrees, and it currently has the weakest possible curve, as that is what the factory sent with the distributor. I was just curious as to how much changing the advance springs and base timing would affect my power. I'm pretty sure my carb is close to being dialed in, and it just doesn't feel as fast as it should. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

radiateu2

I have 12 degrees advance initially on my 305 I have my distributor set with one weak and one medium spring to have all my advance in by 3,000 rpm. Believe it or not these small block like a lot of advance timing. I initially started out with 16 advance and some detonation so I backed it down to 12 without detnation and felt a significant increase in power and my engine didnt run as rich too. advancing your timing and adjusting the curve in the distributor is one of the cheapest mods with proven performane you can do just ask f-bird88 and rb83l69. They helped me out with this too incase you dont know it they are the ones who know there stuff around here along with a few others

Cruz'N Bruz'R

Alot. But base timing means half as much as total timing.
I need to get a curve kit to get my total timing up.

CamaroX84

Well folks, I just answered my own question. I swapped in the red (28 degrees) stop bushing and the two light blue springs (3rd from most aggressive timing curve) and I boosted the base timing to 11 degrees. It definitely pulls a lot harder. The changable springs/bushings are invaluable.

86IROC350NY

The guys at the autobody changed springs and ran a timing light in front of me. 13 degrees initial, with 58* total. That seems really high, but they said SBCs liked a lot of advance and especially with big cams...NOW THE DAMN THING IS BACKFIRING THRU THE INTAKE (read my thread). I don't know, but anything over 40 on high octane gas would be pushing it.

DartByU

58 TOTAL!!!!, you need to find new mechanics. 36 to 40 is the most I have ever heard of running.

radiateu2

I had the same problem to much total timing Does it ping at all underload? 45 total advance was too much for me I am at 40 now with no problems. Try one light and one medium spring your initial advance seems to be in the ballpark. Make sure you disconnect and plug the vaccum advance when setting the timing

86IROC350NY

I haven't really heard...the timing gears are so loud Anyways, I told them to fix the timing, but they are being stubborn. I think it might be pinging.

--Dan

radiateu2

Or you can get a kit from any parts store and do it yourself It is easy. But if you payed someone to fix it right the first time........... "and now you know the rest of the story" Paul Harvey

1982Camaro383

what size is the locknut washer holding the advance stop bushing. I am changing it as well

CamaroX84

Use an 11/32" wrench on the nut for the bushing. Be careful not to drop ANYTHING. I used a tiny dot of super glue between the nut and the washer (NOT the washer and the bushing) to hold them together while I installed it back on. Hope this helps.

1982Camaro383

whats the easiest way to get to it, besides pulling distributor, since you can see what your doing only feel.

1982Camaro383

can't see what your doing sorry typo

CamaroX84

Well, the first thing you need to do is find a good angle that you'd want to do it at. If you don't like where your distributor is positioned, stick your key in the ignition, and give it a light "tap" to turn it until it's where you want it. Then use the wrench to pull the nut, but be careful because behind the nut is a flat washer and then the bushing. It's easy to drop the stuff. Then put a tiny tiny dap of super glue between the flat washer and the nut. Doing this will allow you to not have to hold the washer up there while putting the nut on. Hold the bushing up there then try to turn the washer/nut on. That should be it. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Idlehands

so for those of us that have never advanced the timing let alone have a timing light, can anyone explain the procedure? and is it possible without a light?

gtabadboy

How high should one go with the initial and total advance.? Im assuming it depends on the motor. I set my initial advance to 15deg and the total I believe is 36. This is measured at what RPM-- 3000 right?? All mods in sig. I want to really unleash the motor with a little tuning before I race wed. Thanks

radiateu2

If you get detnation or ping you have too much advance back of in 2 degree increments and drive the car some place like a hill were a load will be placed on the motor. If it continues to ping back off another 2 degrees do this until you can no longer here a ping or detnation. I would keep the vacuum advanced connected while doing this cause at this point your working backward from total advance to initial advance. Typically you would want all your advance in by around 3,000