What should a Chevy 350 be timed at?

Setting the Timing on a Chevy 350
To set the timing on a Chevy 350 engine, there are a few methods you can use. Here are some options:
1. Emergency Method: In an emergency situation where you just need to make the engine run, you can advance the distributor until the engine starts to ping under load. Then, you would back the distributor off slightly until the engine stops pinging.
2. Using a Timing Light: The most accurate method is to use a timing light. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
– Start the engine and let it warm up to operating temperature.
– Connect the timing light to the battery and the number one spark plug wire.
– Locate the timing marks on the harmonic balancer and the timing tab on the engine block.
– Aim the timing light at the timing marks and adjust the distributor until the timing mark on the balancer lines up with the desired timing degree on the timing tab.
– Tighten the distributor hold-down bolt and recheck the timing to ensure it remains correct under different RPMs.
3. By Ear at Idle: It is possible to set the timing by ear at idle, but this method is only suitable for a start. As you approach the advance, the timing might need adjustment. A high-pitched ringing sound during acceleration indicates that you should retard the timing, while if it restrains, you should advance it.
Remember that when you need to change the timing, the distributor should be rotated clockwise to escalate and counterclockwise to decelerate.
It’s important to note that the specific timing degree for a Chevy 350 can vary depending on factors such as the engine’s configuration, modifications, and fuel type. It’s recommended to consult the manufacturer’s specifications or a trusted mechanic for the optimal timing setting for your specific Chevy 350 engine.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

What is the best timing for a SBC?

Depending on your cylinder heads, compression ratio, camshaft, and centrifugal advance curve in the distributor, “normal” base timing for a street high-perf small-block Chevy is somewhere in the 12- to 18-degree before top dead center (BTDC) range, with total timing at full centrifugal advance about 34 to 36 degrees …

What is a bad idle rpm?

Typically, engines idle at about 600-800 rpm. Older engines may go up to 1200 rpm or more while warming up. But if the engine is revving up while idling, even after it’s sufficiently warmed up, you might have a problem. High idle speeds waste fuel, cause extra wear and tear on your engine, and can be unsafe as well.

Does advancing timing lean or rich?

Neither ! Advancing Ignition timing does not effect air/fuel ratio unless it’s extremely late that manifold vacuum pressure drops so low causing the map sensor, metering rods to enrich the fuel mixture. Cars equipped with oxygen sensors will maintain the same fuel/air ratio.

How do I know if my engine timing is correct?

Your engine’s performance should be as smooth as a ballroom dance, but if you notice it stumbling, stuttering, or emitting an irregular rhythm, it might be a telltale sign of timing trouble. Misfires are like the misplaced steps of a dancer, disrupting the fluidity of your engine’s performance.

What should ignition timing be at idle?

At idle, typical initial timing figures are 4-10 degrees before top dead center (BTDC).

What should timing be set at Chevy 350?

In most cases starting out with 12 degrees of initial advance is about right. However, that may result too much total advance, which should be limited to around 36-37 degrees so the distributor’s advance curve may have to be altered. How that is done will depend on the distributor you use.

What is the minimum best timing?

MBT stands for ‘Maximum Brake Torque Timing’, also referred to as ‘Minimum Best Timing’ – this is the optimum ignition angle to create maximum engine torque.

What are the two types of timing?

There are two different types of timing in an engine: cam timing and ignition timing. Most modern vehicles have a combustion engine whose pistons have to complete a four-stroke cycle that continuously repeats for as long as the engine is running.

What should engine timing be set at?

between 34 and 36 degrees
When in doubt, total timing should be somewhere between 34 and 36 degrees. A typical small-block Chevy’s timing curve needs to be set somewhere in this range for maximum performance, when the engine is being revved at 3500 RPM. At this point, the timing should stop advancing and should remain steady.

What should a Chevy 350 idle at?

Re: At what RPM does your 350 SBC idle? 350/ TH350 idles at about 550 in park, and 400 in drive with A/C on.