Author Topic: Setting Timing  (Read 864 times)

Offline cudabob496

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Setting Timing
« on: July 06, 2013 - 08:46:21 PM »
Anyone got a method for setting timing when you are alone, want to use a dial-back light, and need the rpm
up around 3200 rpm. Guess I could make a metal hook that holds the throttle open a fixed amount?
72 Cuda, owned 25 years. 496, with ported Stage VI heads, .625 in solid roller, 254/258 at .050, 3500 stall, 3.91 rear. 850 Holley DP, Reverse manual valve body.

1999 Trans Am, LS1, heads, cam, headers, stall, etc! Love to surprise the rice rockets with this one. They seem so confident, then it's "what the heck just happened?"

2011 Kawasaki Z1000




Offline high perf mopar

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Re: Setting Timing
« Reply #1 on: July 06, 2013 - 09:51:11 PM »
i set up the timing light and lay it on the passenger fender,then start it up.left hand timing lite,right hand long screw driver to increase the RPM's...one with a notch in it helps for the throttle shaft.

no need to try and get it dead on anymore with the MSD adjuster mounted next to the shifter.just really close.

u may have to set it down and adjust whatever u need while doing it,but thats what the fender covers r 4..

looking forward to playing with my MSD adj timing control...its set within the ball park like all motors r..really crisp throttle response when cranking it up..marked at 32.on the adj....for whatever thats worth,meaning my setup... 
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Offline cudabob496

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Re: Setting Timing
« Reply #2 on: July 07, 2013 - 12:21:29 AM »
i set up the timing light and lay it on the passenger fender,then start it up.left hand timing lite,right hand long screw driver to increase the RPM's...one with a notch in it helps for the throttle shaft.

no need to try and get it dead on anymore with the MSD adjuster mounted next to the shifter.just really close.

u may have to set it down and adjust whatever u need while doing it,but thats what the fender covers r 4..

looking forward to playing with my MSD adj timing control...its set within the ball park like all motors r..really crisp throttle response when cranking it up..marked at 32.on the adj....for whatever thats worth,meaning my setup...

thanks, that's a plan!
ya, if its not at 36, say at 34, I will just add 2 degrees with the dial inside the car!
72 Cuda, owned 25 years. 496, with ported Stage VI heads, .625 in solid roller, 254/258 at .050, 3500 stall, 3.91 rear. 850 Holley DP, Reverse manual valve body.

1999 Trans Am, LS1, heads, cam, headers, stall, etc! Love to surprise the rice rockets with this one. They seem so confident, then it's "what the heck just happened?"

2011 Kawasaki Z1000

Offline Strawdawg

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Re: Setting Timing
« Reply #3 on: July 07, 2013 - 02:23:37 PM »
I just stick a nickel, or such, between the throttle screw and lever

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Setting Timing
« Reply #4 on: July 07, 2013 - 10:17:54 PM »
Turn up the idle screw or use the fast idle cam if you have a choke circuit .

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline cudabob496

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Re: Setting Timing
« Reply #5 on: July 07, 2013 - 11:59:34 PM »
thanks, ya, put a washer under idle screw, and it held steady at 3500 rpm. guess I don't have to call
the ex wife over after all!

Question, timing was 37 BTDC. Is 36 where it should be, or can you go higher as long as you don't ping?
Or is every engine unique?

After checking timing, it sure was nice to just dial back the adjustable timing knob 1 degree, rather than wrestle
with the distriubutor.

didn't realize the idle adjust screw could take an engine up above 3 or 4000 rpm! Maybe to redline!
« Last Edit: July 08, 2013 - 02:01:47 AM by cudabob496 »
72 Cuda, owned 25 years. 496, with ported Stage VI heads, .625 in solid roller, 254/258 at .050, 3500 stall, 3.91 rear. 850 Holley DP, Reverse manual valve body.

1999 Trans Am, LS1, heads, cam, headers, stall, etc! Love to surprise the rice rockets with this one. They seem so confident, then it's "what the heck just happened?"

2011 Kawasaki Z1000

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Setting Timing
« Reply #6 on: July 08, 2013 - 08:50:13 AM »
every engine is unique , depends on the speed of the burn , some make the best power around 32* others closer to 38*

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t