Timing
 

I've done a search but have come up with nothing. I have a 289 with Hi-Po heads, .030 bored, Torker 2 intake, MSD 6ALN & coil, very radical cam, 650 Holley with an automatic. I'm trying to find a good place to start my timing at. Any help?

Re: Timing
 

Start playing.

Start at the stock specs, and go from there... you have so much in there that I think it would be impossible to pinpoint...

Re: Timing
 

I think you would want 10-13 btdc at idle with the vacuum advance disconnected and blocked off. My guess is that you would want 36-38 btdc total (all in by 3000 rpm). You probably would need some sort of spring kit to adjust the total timing from the centrifugal advance.

You might want to consider getting an after market electronic distributor and box. My recommendation is an MSD with magnetic pick up and maybe an MSD 6-AL box. I think you can adjust the total timing on those with little effort and have a hot electronic ignition as well.

Rev

Re: Timing
 

I have an MSD 6ALN with an MSD Dis. on there now

Re: Timing
 

Check on the MSD web site or look at the literature that came with the distributor for the correct way to adjust total timing. I know on my Mallory (not recommended) that I just have to bend a little tab one way or the other to increase/decrease total timing. Mine came with the total timing all in by about 3000 rpm.

Rev

Re: Timing
 

I just installed a Comp cam w/512 lift and 280 duration. It won't even start to run half decent until I adjust her to 37 btdc. Bump the distributor a tooth if the diaphram is hitting the therm housing. Advance it until she pings then back her off a few degrees. Then put the timing light on the damper. I bet you'll be somewhere in the range Rev and I are thinking.

Re: Timing
 

I'll give 37 total a try tomorrow and let ya' know how it goes. Man my neighbors are going to be pissed.

Re: Timing
 

I tried to time it and and my timing mark was bouncing between 5-15 degrees so I could not get a steady mark. I checked my vacuums and there are no leaks or anything.

Any thoughts.

Re: Timing
 

Worn and loose timing chain? Worn helical drive gear on the cam?

Rev

Re: Timing
 

New Cam, Dis w/cam, and chain/sprockets