What should the timing be on a 350 Chevy engine?

Timing on a 350 Chevy Engine
The timing on a 350 Chevy engine refers to the synchronization of the ignition system with the engine’s rotation. It determines when the spark plugs fire and ignite the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders. The correct timing is crucial for optimal engine performance and efficiency.
According to the search results, here are some key points regarding the timing on a 350 Chevy engine:
1. The timing can be adjusted by rotating the distributor housing.
2. To advance the timing, the distributor should be rotated counterclockwise.
3. To retard the timing, the distributor should be rotated clockwise.
4. The recommended idle timing for a Chevy 350 engine is around 700 RPM, which may increase to 1200 RPM or more as the engine warms up.
5. The total timing being correct is important for optimal engine performance and power.
It’s worth noting that the specific timing requirements may vary depending on factors such as the engine’s condition, modifications, and intended use. It’s always a good idea to consult the engine’s manual or seek advice from a qualified mechanic for precise timing specifications.
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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 ignition timing be at idle?

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

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 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 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.

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 RPM should I set my Chevy 350 timing?

Re: TIMING DEGREES FOR A 350
You would set the base timing such that at about 3500 RPM, with the vac adv line disconnected, the timing is 36° BTDC; like just about every other gasoline motor. To get it “perfect”, it might need to be as little as 33° or as much as 38°; probably not, but maybe.

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.

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.

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.