as some of you may know ive had a hell of a time trying to time my car there was a mark on my balancer already so i finally got the light on it and set it to the 10 degree mark on the tab. now the car fires up perfectly but after its warm it has the WORST pre ignition and still has NO *****. im so lost I have no clue what to do, we think the car is cammed and without the cam card i know im probably going to have lots of trouble..

 

10 degrees isn't right. It should be 6 with the EST disconnected.

 

i was to 8-12, car has a vacuum advance.

 

So it's at 10 with the vacuum disconnected? Do you know what your total advance is?

 

yea, and I have no clue? how can I tell.

 

Just a thought but is the mark correct on the Balancer?
0 degees at TDC on number 1
sometimes the balancers seperate.....

 

im not sure, my shop teacher marked it not me

 

One way to tell is to pull the valve cover on the driver side
Pull the spark plugs and roll the engine over
watch for the intake rocker to open and close on number 1 cyl
at the top of the stroke is tdc #1
look at the timing mark in relation to you tab near the balancer
At least you'll know if your in the ball park or not.

If you are and your at 8 deg BDC or so and it is still causing you grief
i would next go over the ignition system. Check the HEI, Cap Rotor, wires plugs ect....

You will need to find out your total timing. If your unknown cam is higher than a .480 lift on it it might cause the issue as well.

All suggestions Good luck