Total timing question

[AMXguy]

 I'm about to put my new mopar performance adjustable distributor in my 440 and break the engine in, I'm going to try the 5 deg. BTDC at idle  since it's built to six pack specs . this distributor says it has a performance curve ( whatever they mean by that) and an adjustable vacuum advance, how important is it that the mechanical advance be correct as long as I end up with 34-36 deg total timing in the end by adjusting just the vacuum?

[Chryco Psycho]

personally I would leave the vacuum disconnected , set timing at idle around 15 * with total at 36-38* & add a couple of degrees of vacuum advance if the curve is too short , to limit vacuum advance you need to turn the adjuster screw counterclockwise to the end & you add approx 1* for each turn clockwise

[AMXguy]

 15* at idle? wow, I thought that would kick the starter. I've never tried that much initial timing but it won't hurt to try.

[Chryco Psycho]

it will work & be more responsive

[matt63]

Agree 100% with CP.  Like someone said, why does the engine speed up when you advance the initial timing?  It's because you are burning the fuel more efficiently instead of sending it out the tailpipe.  I noticed the factory sticker says 5 BTDC.  I have no idea why this was the initial setting.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

If you put your static timing at 5* BTDC, you won't start the car.  Your timing will definitely be in the 12-15* BTDC range.


  Mike