500ci rb msd timing help/advice

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afstegg

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Have a 500ci stroker that I'm in the process of putting together . I'm looking for advice on setting the advance in the distributor, has a msd distributor that when I got engine was locked . I've read to set max advance in the range of 32 to 35deg with blue bushing and med Springs.

Engine has flat top pistons
440-1 head
Comp cam 23-707-9 solid roller cam w/1.5 rockers
1050 cfm quick fuel carb
Msd 7al
And I believe a 3500 stall converter.

I don't know why distributor was locked .I'm thinking maybe for a decent idle but I feel it should have a working advance. Car is a street car

Thanks for any input.
 
I run 18/34 all in by 3500. Which is also where my convertor flashes to. Work real well for me on pump swill.
 
Why not try it locked? as long as all the timing doesn't affect the starter at crank up no reason not to run it. You have a decent motor there. should handle it fine.
 
340doc said:
Why not try it locked? as long as all the timing doesn't affect the starter at crank up no reason not to run it. You have a decent motor there. should handle it fine.
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No real answer other then I felt it would cause a drivabilty issue. I figured it was locked because it was set up for drag racing wot.
 
It was locked because the MSD distributor isn't designed for a cam that big. That cam will want 28-30 degrees at idle and the best bushing that MSD offers is an 18 degree bushing so that you must have only 20 degrees at idle to keep no more that 38 degrees total. Best to leave it locked or get a good distributor like the FireCore50. Or leave it locked and get a programmable ignition.
 
Find what it likes best for total locked out. Figure out if you want any curve in it, Back it off 10 degrees and see how it idles.

I have bushings for MSD distributors that limit advance to 10 and 14 degrees. I doubt you'd need a 14. IQ hit it, probably going to want at least high 20's for initial. If it starts OK locked out, why bother with any curve using a cam that large.
 
Since it is already locked, I would set the timing at whatever your engine likes - usually 33*-35* and leave it locked. If starting becomes and issue when the engine is hot, just install one of these. This is exactly my setup and I have zero issues...


http://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-8984

.
 
In a cheaper fashion, others have had success with an ignition kill switch. Hold the kill switch on while cranking the starter, then release the kill switch. Should fire right off.
 
Not sure how far along you are with your build or what your definition of a street car is, but that camshaft is really not a "street car" friendly cam. Especially with a 3500 stall converter. You might be happier with something about 10 degrees smaller and then you won't need the locked out distributor or a super high stall converter.
 
AndyF said:
Not sure how far along you are with your build or what your definition of a street car is, but that camshaft is really not a "street car" friendly cam. Especially with a 3500 stall converter. You might be happier with something about 10 degrees smaller and then you won't need the locked out distributor or a super high stall converter.
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Motors in car. And I don't know for sure what size converter is.ill find out once it's running again. Got motor without prior history of it. Tore it down and replaced rings bearings and oil pump.

I thank you guys for your input. I guess I'll try it locked and go from their.

As for street car. It's a drivable project car that I drive when the weather's nice. No cage yet. After engine upgrade it's getting mini tubs and Springs relocated
 
That 7 series box shold have a timing retard if starting is an issue. My al3 had one but I never needed it with my cam that was almost the same size. I did spin the motor over with the fuel pump on before flipping the ingnion switch on.my msd distributor was also locked out.
 
Every big block mopar that I have ever had on the dyno liked 38 degrees timing the best. I run 38 locked on every one of my street/strip motors.
 
crackedback said:
I have bushings for MSD distributors that limit advance to 10 and 14 degrees. I doubt you'd need a 14. IQ hit it, probably going to want at least high 20's for initial. If it starts OK locked out, why bother with any curve using a cam that large.
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IQ52 said:
It was locked because the MSD distributor isn't designed for a cam that big. That cam will want 28-30 degrees at idle and the best bushing that MSD offers is an 18 degree bushing so that you must have only 20 degrees at idle to keep no more that 38 degrees total. Best to leave it locked or get a good distributor like the FireCore50. Or leave it locked and get a programmable ignition.
Click to expand...

I'd go one of these routes
 
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