timing problem

[rt rag]

I am having a problem with the timing on a 360 rebuilt engine. The only time the engine runs somewhat proper is when the timing is way advanced, but it pings like crazy.I don't even see the TDC mark on the balancer, its so advanced When the timing is set at 12 degrees at an idle, the car spits and craps out under load when I step into

[ShelbyDogg]

Rebuilt 360.  Who put the cam in and did they use a 3 position crank gear? If so, the cam could be installed improperly. It was like that on an engine that I bought. 3 keyways and 3 different marks, the guy that installed it didn't know how to read the markings, so I got a rebuilt 440 very cheap.

[rt rag]

The guy that built the engine is a known race engine builder in San Diego, but I will ask him. To date, I have changed the carb and all of the ignition. Not sure where to go next

[rt rag]

Forgot to say that the car runs okay until I step into it. With an easy gas pedal it seems to run fine

[Bullitt-]

Air/fuel, spark/timing...The Timing is the easiest IMO & the air/fuel thing will never work until the timing is right... Here's a fundamental how to http://tvmoparclub.com/files/tech/Mopar%20Timing.pdf

[Changin Gears]

Air/fuel, spark/timing...The Timing is the easiest IMO & the air/fuel thing will never work until the timing is right... Here's a fundamental how to http://tvmoparclub.com/files/tech/Mopar%20Timing.pdf

Don't use those timing numbers with the vacuum advance connected or you will have a real dog.  Should be about 36 without the vacuum advance.

[rt rag]

There was no vacume advance on the distro that I got and there was no vacume on the one I replaced. Could that be the problem?

[Bullitt-]

Vacuum advance has no positive effect on performance, it's more for economy

Don't use those timing numbers with the vacuum advance connected or you will have a real dog.  Should be about 36 without the vacuum advance.

I've wondered about the totals#s...What would a good total with vac advance be around 3K for a street engine?

[Changin Gears]

Vacuum advance has no positive effect on performance, it's more for economy

I've wondered about the totals#s...What would a good total with vac advance be around 3K for a street engine?

More like 50, never really measure it.  Just as much as it will take before detonation.  I always measure the initial+mechanical though.

[71chally416]

Getting your TOTAL timing right is the most basic thing in tuning performance engines. If you don't know how to do it you'll probably cause major engine damage. Running it in detonation is like beating the internals with a hammer. If you aren't sure your dampner zero mark is correct, if you don't have it marked for the proper advance (36* is good for a small block), or have a cheap timing tape installed or a timing light with advance capability, then park it till you understand how to do it and get it right.

[Chryco Psycho]

you probably need to shorten the advance curve so you have more initial timing without over adavncing at high RPM , you can weld the advance slots or if you have the newer dist just adjust the mechanical advance cuve with the screws on the advance plate in the dist