Timing For Dumbies

[longfellowdeeds]

i am lost... could anyone give me some specific directions on how to set timing~!?? i got a timing light i know where the spout is and i just don't know how to tell what degree your at and how to change it!??? please help!!

 

[88_GT_5_oh]

unplug the spout, hook up the timing light to the number 1 cylinder at the cap, losen the distributer hold down bolt. probably a good i idea to clean up the marks on the damper so its easy to read, start the car, point the light at the damper, base timings is 10 btc (check your manual just to be sure) turn the distibuter so it reads around 12 btc or so.. basically advance it till you hear pinging (if you don't know what that sounds like i'd stick it around 12 btc, just to be safe) thats what mines at. if you cant figure it out, get some one who knows how to do it.... you can **** up an engine with improper timing. hope this helps

 

[HazMat404]

yeah...i can get my car up to about 16* of timing on 87 octane. some peopel have to put 93 to make their car at 10* not ping. every car is different. on the dampner, mark the 10* with a short line and the 14* with a bigger line (use white out and try to be percise). if you want to do 12* then just put the line there too. your choice

 

[maypo59]

I just put a little chalk on the marks, then wipe the excess off.. works great. There is a bolt holding a flat clamp where the dizzy shaft goes into the top of the block, you loosen it. You will need a dizzy wrench, or at least I did, you have to set the timing with the engine at operating temp, and the offset wrench makes it a little eaiser on the hands.. then start the car, aim the light down at the timing pointer on the balencer, and turn the dizzy to change timing. If you have a multi spark ignition, its a good idea to put it in diagnostic mode first.. after setting it, tighten down bolt good, double check you didn't change it, then, put spout back in and reset ignition box as needed, button it up and see how it sounds/feels.