What should base timing on a 350 Chevy?

Setting Base Timing on a 350 Chevy
When setting the base timing on a 350 Chevy, it’s important to consider various factors such as the cylinder heads, compression ratio, camshaft, and centrifugal advance curve in the distributor. Here are some key points to keep in mind based on the search results:
1. Normal Base Timing Range: Depending on the specific setup, the normal base timing for a street high-performance small-block Chevy is typically in the range of 12 to 18 degrees before top dead center (BTDC), with the total timing at full centrifugal advance about 34 to 36 degrees BTDC.
2. Rotor Phasing: When dealing with a distributor that turns clockwise like a Chevy, the rotor tip should be positioned just to the right or just after the terminal when the spark occurs with the vacuum disconnected and plugged. With the advance connected and the engine at a steady speed off-idle, the rotor tip should be just to the left or before the terminal.
3. Initial Advance: Starting out with 12 degrees of initial advance is generally considered appropriate, but it’s important to monitor the total advance, which should be limited to around 36-37 degrees to avoid excessive total advance.
4. Total Timing: It’s crucial to consider the total timing, which is a combination of the initial timing on the crank and the amount of mechanical advance from the distributor. A correctly timed engine produces the most horsepower, so it’s essential to find the right balance to optimize performance.
5. Individual Setup: The ideal total advance will depend on the individual setup, but with early style heads, 36-38 degrees is often recommended for optimal performance.
It’s important to note that these recommendations may vary based on specific engine configurations and components. Additionally, it’s advisable to consult with a professional or refer to the specific engine manual for precise timing specifications.
Remember to always consider the specific details of your engine setup and seek professional advice if needed to ensure the optimal performance of your 350 Chevy.

How do you know if your timing is too far advanced?

Clues that the timing is too advanced would be hard cranking, the engine tries to kick back when cranking, rough idle can be caused by too much advance, and detonation is another sign of too much advance.

What should ignition timing advance be at idle?

Most engines have between 5-20 degrees of ignition advance at idle. This is referred to as initial timing. What’s the difference between mechanical and centrifugal advance? As an engine revs up, we need to allow even more of a head start for the spark plug in order for complete combustion to occur.

What is base ignition timing setting?

Connect a timing light to the engine and check the ignition timing. The initial timing should be 12°11°BTDC (Before Top Dead Center). If the ignition timing is not within specifications, loosen the distributor body installation bolt and adjust the ignition timing by turning the distributor.

What is the initial timing on a SBC 350?

Re: Timing on a 350
Total timing on a sbc should be between 34-38 degrees plus vacuum advance. So if you are at 36 degrees at 3k rpm the vac advance should be unhooked and the line plugged.

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 idle ignition timing be?

Secondly we need to choose an idle ignition timing, and there is no set-in-stone rule for what this must be. After tuning thousands of different engines, I find that most engines will idle nicely with ignition advance in the 15 to 20 degree vicinity so this is where I’d suggest starting out.

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 should the timing be on a stock 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 should initial timing be on 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 should ignition timing be at idle?

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