Timing Question

[zigmont]

I have a 351W with 9 to 1 compression and a mild cam. For best performance, what would be a good number for total mechanical advance, and at what RPM?

 

[woodsnake]

Each engine responds differently to stuff. Where do you have it set at now?
I'd say probably 8-10 degrees initial, and dial it in from there...

 

[68RCodeConv]

Usually non-stock cams like more initial and a faster timing curve. Total timing depends on the quality of the gas and the engine - if it pings you have too much.

 

[rbohm]

start with 10 degrees initial timing, and 13 degrees mechanical advance in the distributor(26 at the crank), and get the mechanical advance all in by 3000 rpm. that seems to be about what the small block ford windsor wants timing wise. you can then bump the initial timing up to 4 degrees more if you need it. mild windsors seem to like a total of 36-38 degrees.

 

[zigmont]

Timing

I have 10 degrees in the distributor (20 at the crank). All in by 2500 RPM's. I have set the initial at 16 degrees for a total of 36 degrees. Only detonation (pinging) I get is when I give it full throttle in 5th gear below 2500 RPM's.
This should be OK. Right? Thanks for all the input.

 

[rbohm]

I have 10 degrees in the distributor (20 at the crank). All in by 2500 RPM's. I have set the initial at 16 degrees for a total of 36 degrees. Only detonation (pinging) I get is when I give it full throttle in 5th gear below 2500 RPM's.
This should be OK. Right? Thanks for all the input.

back your initial timing down to 12 and see if the detonation goes away. it likely will which means your engine does not like 16 initial timing. that will still give you 32 total timing. what is the rest of your combination like?