I'm running a carb'd 383 (see sig)
My question is about timing.I have the MSD set for 28 degrees distributor advance, with 8 deg initial for a total of 36, all coming in around 3600 rpm..
After doing some more reading and research (always had fuel injected) I think that I might have too much distributor advance.
I was thinking of changing it to around 21 distrib, 17 initial or 18 distrib, 20 initial with it all in before 3000 rpm. A total of 38 degrees should run better with my aluminum heads.
I have lots o' power at the top end, but not much low end. If what I have read is right, then the closer the initial timing gets to 0 deg the worse low-end power and hot-start will be?
Am I right?
Where are all of you carb guys running your timing at?
I am still getting the tune and have some severe traction issues. Definitely need to get the traction and low end set right.

 

Average would probably be between 32-38 degrees total.

timing is really more reletive to the engine itself more than induction, assuming it's tuned at all.
Don't forget...if you run a vacuum advance canister it'll affect things to while driving too, but you won't see it setting the timing in park.

 

I'm also running a carbed 388, and I've found about 12 intial, and 38 total works the best for me LOTS of Bottom end (too much actually and good top end revs... maybe this helps...

 

Thanks for the input. I guess I will re-do the distrib curve this weekend.

 

My stroker likes 14 initial 38 total.

Sidenote:

When i put in my MSD Pro billet dist, i had too much total timing with 14 initial......anyhow MSD supplied some little "washers" (*** damnit i cant remember what its called right now....dont you hate that!) and you can change them to set the limit of "distributor advance"......i chose the thickest which i think was "black" and it brought my total right down.

Anyhow maybe this helps as well.

Good Luck.

 

I think the advance bushings are what you are talking about
One allows for 18 deg distrib advance, one 21, and one for 28. The one that comes in it stock I believe is the 21....can't remember.
I think I will go with the 21, set the initial at 17, and total at 38.

 

Accualy I think they call it the 'advance stop bushing'. :sillylol:
I'm running 15 initial with 21 degrees adv. total 36 - all in by 3000rpms.
Carbed 350 .040 /cam dur. 234/244
Screams off the line.

You should run as much initial as you can get away with.
Mine just loves 14-15 initial?

ump - you might try 17 intial, but that's alot. It you have trouble starting you might back off to 15 like me. MSD does make a Start/Retard Controler #8982. It will set you back $120 though.


Ron

 

Oh the"advance stop bushings" What was I thinking

I have seen folks running up to 20 degrees initial with the 18 bushing with no problems. I guess it is just the difference between engines and cams.

 

I run 16 initial and 38 total. All in by 2600 rpm. If you have no low end and good high end that usaully means that your total is correct , but it is advancing to slow , try lighter advance springs.

 

I had to do that too.

:hail:IROC-Z

 

I've found my car likes 12* inital and 36* total.

 

16 deg initial with 38 total sure opened up the low-end!!!!!

 

Thats right , I'm the man.


Glad you got it figured out.

 

I gotta give it up evil TA!:hail:
It's even all in by around 2500 RPM