I'm about to fire up my car with a new 383 after it's long winter nap and I am curious as to what I should set my timing at? I know that stock TPI'ed 350's like more than the GM recommended 6 degrees btdc. You can set them as high as 12 degrees on some motors and it produces nice results. But where should I start with my 383??

Where do yo guys have yours set??

 

Alot depends on the comp ratio, heads, and grade of fuel, plugs. I would start it at 10 degrees and work from there.

 

If you are into tuning chips, it's better to add timing that way.

Leave the base timing right where it's supposed to be stock (6*) and make sure the base is set at the same value in the chip. Then if you want to add more timing, add it in the timing tables. I think it's better to do it that way, you have more control... say the engine like more timing down below 3000 rpms, but once you get over that, it doesn't like that little bit extra... you can tune exactly for that in the chip, give it timing where it likes it, take it away where it doesn't like it.

 

Agreed, but I think he's talking about firing up a motor for the first time, so it's by far easier and quicker to play with the dist. to find a good starting point rather than monkeying with burning chips. I always find a good base point and then start burning chips to make the adjustments.

 

If it's programmed for 6° start with that.