Ignition Timing Settings

[kevnmcd]

I am trying get some idea of what a good setting is for a SBC as far as timing goes. What is your initial set at and what is your total set at? I just recently built a new motor and I have gotten different answers on what to set it at, so I thought I would see what all of you are doing. Thanks for the input. Oh yea, I am running a mild 350 (350 hp) naturally aspirated on an outdrive setup.

[Bondo]

Depends on your dist....how much total advance in built in to it.... start with the static timing at TDC to start the motor then tune it to where you have to be to get about 30- 34degrees total adv....you'll have to play with it a bit to see how much timing the motor will take before detonation sets in...the best way i've found is, have someone else drive at WOT while you bring the timing up to where you hear detonation, then back it off a bit,+ tighten down the dist. clamp... that's as good as it CAN get....good luck...

[GM Killer]

Give my ignition guy a call, he will be more then helpful.
Dave Lange (feul Curve West) 909 920 3779

[gnarley]

Don't forget to compensate for elevation. Add 1 degree initial per 1000 foot increase in elevation. Also depends on fuel and compression ratio's not to mention heat range of your plugs. Oh then there's ambiant air temp and humidity... What ?

[Havasu Hangin']

18/36
http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/happy/happy25.gif
PS- we don't want any pinging... http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/happy/happy06.gif

[kevnmcd]

HH - No we don't...been there, done that http://free.***boat.net/ubb/smile.gif
The reason I am asking all of you is that everyone I talk to seems to have a different answer about what the initial should be and what the total should be. I broke it (the engine) in a couple of weekends ago and ran 13 initial and 30 total on a different distributor. Now that is broke in, I want to see what she's really got. My electronic distributor is set for 20 degrees advance. I was going to put it at 14 initial which would give me 34 total. But I always run 91 octane and I am running 9.5:1 CR. Do any of you have problems with 91 octane at 36 or 38 degrees total? That is what I am trying to find out, but I may just have to do the old, trial and error thing (but at all costs don't let it ping - right HH???)

[Havasu Hangin']

Originally posted by kevnmcd:
...but at all costs don't let it ping - right HH?
New Engine + Pinging = Expensive noises http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/happy/happy06.gif
...words to live by...as a precaution, you can always stick your head under the hatch at full speed and listen for the pinging...
http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/happy/happy25.gif
PS- 16/36 sounds good to me... http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/happy/happy34.gif

[mister460]

Hey Kev, I'd save some money and run 87 or 89 octane in your motor. 9.5-1 is not very high comp at all and it really doesn't warrant the use of high octane. Try 12-14 deg initial and around 34 total and you'll be fine. Having alot of timing at idle really doesn't do anything. It's the total timing that matters.

[waterbum]

Mr460 hit the nail on the head.Only concern yourself with total timing on a marine application.Also you will notice no gains by running high test fuel,just waste hard earned dollers.Go with 34 degrees. Bum

[kevnmcd]

Thanks everyone for the input.....