First, is it possible to get correct timing marks on a stroker? A machanic I know said they are always off. Don't seem right to me though... I have a 335 stroker. After I had the 400 crank put in, my timing mark is way off. Where should the marker be on a 400 crank? 12 o'clock or around 2 o'clock? I think the 305 was 12... it is currently way over around 10-11 o'clock (mark on the balancer).. I guess my balancer could be mark wrong some how. What is the best procedure for timing "by ear" if that is the case? I just don't want to hurt anything running too lean... Its not pinging or anything, but overheats in just a few minutes. Everything under the hood is new... (radiator, fan etc)...

 

If you used the 305 timing cover (which I would not have), your going to have to put an aftermarket pointer on it. I imagine you used an externally balanced harmonic balancer?

If you can start it when its hot, I don't think the timing is overadvanced to the point that it would cause it to overheat.

Put it this way, set it at normal idle and put a light on it, you should be able to get a general idea. shoot for 10degrees and look for it at about 2oclock on an externally bal hb.

 

I had it done at a shop. They put the 305 timing cover back on it. I added an aftermark timing tab at 2 o'clock... I can't get the timing close the either tab... Like I said the mark shows way over around 10 o'clock. Could anything else cause this besides a mismarked balancer?

 

Find TDC with a dial indicator on the top of the piston, and mark the balancer. At least it will be right for a day or 2, maybe, if it's a new balancer.

Timing marks being way off has nothing to do with being a stroker, as such. They're almost always off.

This is not something to get real excited about. I've had cars for years with no timng marks whatsoever, and they ran just fine. With modern computer controls, it's a little more critical, but you can still set the timing to where it runs; crank it up and drive it around; adjust as necessary; repeat until optimum is found. That's what you have to do most of the time with a non-stock build anyway.

 

I dont even use a timing light anymore. Use vacume. Hook up a vac guage or pump anything that will give you a vac reading to a good source on the manifold or carb. Advance the timing until it peaks, when it peaks, drop it down 2* from there and boom. you set your engines optimal timing capibility. Note this is not the max you can set it too its just 2* from peak will keep you out of detonation. This is a very accurate method.
SSC

BTW how does that 335 run? worth the time/money? I was tempted to build one but just went with a good Ole' 355.

 

You can buy an inexpensive "piston stop" to check Top dead center. Screws into the spark plug hole on #1 cylinder.
Loosen both valves off on that cylinder. Turn the motor by hand
one way till it stops. Mark the balancer where it stops. Turn the motor the otherway,mark the balencer where it stops.
TDC is exactly 1/2 way between your two marks.
Total mechanical timing should be 32 to 36 degs.
http://www.shopcranecams.com/craneca...stoptopde.html

be sure to loosen off both valves on that cylinder during checking or they may hit the piston stop.