440 Timing Questions

[outlawse]

HELP:

Last night I checked the timing on my 440.

It was set to 16 degrees total.  ISN'T THAT WAY TOO LOW

I unplugged the vacum line and set the total timing to 30 degrees.  Then re-connected the vac line.

I currently have the MP 268 cam so does anyone know what the total timing is suppose to be set to

Any help would be great....

[Oldschool]

I think somewhere between 30*-36* total timing depending on what fuel and compression you are running.  Try 36* and if it pings, keep backing it down a couple of degress at a time until it stops pinging.      

[Supercuda]

Sounds like timing at idle, with no advance. How did you check your timing? 36 degrees total would be with vacuum disconnected, and engine running above max rpm for advance weights to overcome springs. With only 16 degrees, you would be severely retarded at idle (something like 20 degrees ATDC), and the engine wouldn't even start. Setting your initial timing at 16 degrees BTDC is a good starting pint, although you might be better off at 14. As Oldschool said, you have to experiment.

[Chryco Psycho]

I usually set timing at 2500 RPM or so at 36-38* giving you approx 18* initial & diconnect the vacuum