What is the ideal timing setting for my mustang?

[natejones75]

I have a 5 fastabck wiht the 289, stck 4V intake, holley 600, Tri-Y headers, AOD conversion, and a fresh engine rebuild. What is the ideal timing setting for this???????

I have a free petronix unit that was given to me I am thinking about using. Any pros or cons on this? Doe sthis change the timing?

 

[brianj5600]

Since you are dealing with mass produced parts, pointer, balancer, and I doubt that tdc was verified. I'll guess 35 to 38 total. It is something you have to play with. There is no majic #, you have to find what your motor likes.

 

[D.Hearne]

By all means use the Pertronix. Initial timing should be anywhere from 10-14 degrees BTDC. If it pings then, you may have to back off on the timing or run a higher octane gas

 

[mhjo]

My timing check: Drive up hill in 50 mph with a passenger or two on board. You will easily hear ping if you are past maximum.

I use 14 deg. myself, but I use 98 octane fuel.

 

[2bav8]

As Hearne stated, I'd start with 10 degrees initial and move up to around 14 initial.
The petronix unit is a good upgrade, ges rid of those nasty points!
It won't change your timing, just makes it more consistent/accurate at high rpm.

 

[6Stang7]

No one can tell you what your best timing setting will be. Every engine is different, so what you need to do is set it to what the motor likes it at. Let the engine warm up, then set it to 10. Go out and drive it and see how it runs. Find a nice straight away and stand on it and see how the rpm's pick up. Bump it up a little and go back out and do the same thing again. Keep doing it till you find the best acceleration without any pinging.