Hey guys, I got this weird problem going on with my new motor. With the est wire plugged im seeing almost 35-37 degrees of advance at idle. Is this right it seems to be way high. Ive got my base timing set at 21 about. Ive got the right timing tab and 6 3/4 balancer for a 350 and the tab is at about 2:00 postion. Dropped the dizzy in and pointed the rotor at #1 tdc. I didn't change the ESC module when I swapped from my 305 because ive heard it might not matter but I don't know might this be a problem. I just thinking my timing is way to advanced. I posted in the TBI forum but didn't get an answer. Here are my specs

88 Camaro SC
350 .040, Holley TBI & Intake, World SR Torquer Heads
zz4 Cam:duration @ .050" 208/220 lift .474"/.510" lobe sep 112

 

First thing to do would be to verify that what you think is 0°, actually is 0°. Until you do that, all else is just guessing and conjecture.

Apart from that, sounds like you've got about 14° of timing being added by the computer. Which actually seems kind of low.

 

other than idle, does the car run OK?
21 degrees of initial advance, seems like a lot,
if thats what you meant.

 

The factory programming will usually add ~15-20* of advance at idle over your baseline setting. So 6* initial timing would be around 26* when idling with the EST connected. If you're up around 20* initial then, yes, you will be up around 40* idling with the EST connected.

Like was mentioned above, if you are TRULY at 21* initial that's VERY high and I'd begin to question the accuracy of your timing tab/balancer combo. 0-6* is stock (EST disconnected). Most V8 SBC 3rd gen engines perform best bumped up to 10 MAYBE 12 initial. 21 is just too much.