I bought a crate 350 from Jegs and I look all over the internet on which range is the timing and I'm getting all kinds of answers. Some say 8-10 others 12-14. Then also the vacuum advance should be on ported/manifold. Can anyone give me some good advice on how it should be setup?

I see the specs for the engine calls for 32 degrees Total timing.
If I'm correct that is only initial timing + mechanical (not counting the vacuum advance)?

Currently I have the initial timing set to 12 degrees by the tab, rev the car to 3k RPM and total shows 32 degrees (adjusting the dial on the timing light). If I was to adjust the timing light by it's dial for the idle timing it says 15 not 12. So I'm a little confused about this reading. Also I hook up the vacuum advance to the ported side after the timing is set.

The problem I'm having is starting the car during the day (Starts fine morning with choke, first crank), it doesn't want to just fire up. I have to crank it a few times (3-4) to start and by then the carb slightly floods and I have hit the pedal to clear the gas. I have no pinging, the engine runs @ 180F, throttle response is good (very light on pedal). Could the timing be off slightly or adjustments on the carb?

 

"Total" timing is mechanical-only at whatever RPMs is required for the mechanical advance to fully advance. The vacuum advance should be disconnected when you check this. If you set the total timing, let the initial timing be whatever it wants to be, as long as idle is okay and you don't get any starter kick-back.

Which engine did you get? 32 degrees total is a little less than most Gen I SBC's want.

Manifold or full or unported vacuum is what was used until the smog era. Personally, I prefer using it for better idle quality. Other than that, it doesn't matter which one you use (since you don't have an emissions-legal setup, anyway).

What procedure are you going through when starting it warm? Are you pumping the accelerator? Usually with carb warm starts, you don't touch the accelerator until after you start cranking, and then only give it a little gas while cranking until it catches.

 

http://www.jegs.com/p/GM-Performance...52506/10002/-1

Is the engine I got, but I can't remember where I seen total timing to be 32. You're saying it is a little less, should I bump up the timing a little more or should I reset the total to some other number you recommend to be the correct total?

What I'm referring to with the day starting (CT weather ~80 ish around here now) is:
After my 8hr shift at work of my car sitting I go out to start it and it doesn't start right up on the first crank. I don't touch anything but turn the key and hold it for like 2secs. People are telling me it should fire right up without even needing to touch the pedal if not something is off adjustment. Figured I'd get some input, New to cars just getting into it.

One other thing I'd like to add I read two ways to set an electric choke: one with the engine being warm and turning it til it starts to close then back it off a little; two in the morning hold the throttle lightly while adjusting the dial til the choke closes.
Which is the best way? Think mine maybe off a bit.

Thanks for responding.
Joe

 

That particular engine is going to like plenty of timing, due to it being 8.0:1 compression. Nevermind the false 8.5:1 rating. Start with around 38 degrees total, then connect the vacuum advance to manifold vacuum, as five7kid also suggested. That will give a reasonable baseline from which to start fine-tuning.

 

If I set total at 38 then initial would be about 18, does that seem right?

Also is kick back very noticeable?
I know what it means just don't know how it would feel/sound. Just so I know what to look out for.

As for oil I noticed on here people talking about using Castrol GTX + STP ZDDP additive, should I do the same?
I've been using a generic brand from autozone for the time being like a friend told me too to let the engine break in and stuff.

 

bump for response

 

Surprised five7kid never checked back. Break-in is when you need the ZDDP additive the most. Without it, high probability of wiping lobes, destroying lifters and hurting bearings. 18 is a lot of initial, you may need to tweak the dizzy to let you run more like 12-14 degrees initial. Unless you want a little more cam.

 

Well currently the dizzy gives about 20 degrees, i have the mark on the tab at 12 but timing light reads 15 at ~800 idle in park. I'm guessing that the mech. advance moving some?
I read the spec for that 290hp 350 motor that the total timing is 34BTDC. So should advance it 2 more degrees and see how it starts then? Runs fine and cool (180ish) just issue with it starting good, just wanted some information and knowledge from people whom messed with these cars more than i have.

 

bump for response

 

Response from Atilla the Fun or Five7Kid?

 

Try it if it runs better then leave it. With that low compression you should not have any starting issues from timing I would look more towards the carb. Try giving it one pump after work.

There is no true value for timing that works with every engine. You really need trial and error or a dyno.