Timing question

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Billcode7

Billcode7

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Hey all,
I have a 1973 Dart with a 340. Bored .30, big cam, etc. I have an MSD Billet ignition and distributor. I bought an advance kit for it but I'm unsure which springs/bushing to use and where to set the timing. Altitude is Colorado. Any suggestions?
 
Look at the chart. I'd bring in full advance around 2500-3500. A lot of people here will tell you to bring it in off idle but I think with todays crap gas and if you are running any compression you shouldn't, nor is there any need to get aggressive with the timing curve.
 
Depending on how big the cam is, the bushings they provide may not allow for adequate initial timing. If you need a 10 or 14* bushing I have them.

JMO, run the light silver and blue springs to get it going. The big springs they come with are a PIA and too slow for the curve.
 
Thanks everyone for your insight. crackedback, I'll let you know if I need a different bushing. Thanks again!
 
crackedback said:
Depending on how big the cam is, the bushings they provide may not allow for adequate initial timing. If you need a 10 or 14* bushing I have them.

JMO, run the light silver and blue springs to get it going. The big springs they come with are a PIA and too slow for the curve.
Click to expand...
Absolutely!
I took out the heavy slotted Mopar spring and put in a Mr Gasket spring. 70 Swinger stock 318. It pings all over the place even with the timing at 10° initial or less. I need to get that fixed. :BangHead::BangHead:
 
Last edited:
Cuda416 said:
There was a thread yesterday about reading plugs to indicate how to set proper timing, and other things for your particular engine and environment.

This is it I think...

Spark plug reading can be complex and sometimes frustrating task this page will help make it easier and the results rewarding
Click to expand...
That's just Don's perspective. There's two more points points of view in that thread.
Spark plug timing marks
and
Spark plug timing marks

Initial can be ballparked from here
Distributor starting point for a curve

If that says to start with a lot of timing, then you'll need less in the advance.
If you will be using vacuum advance, then use a slower curve. If you use a fast curve part throttle and highway will be pinging.
To get some idea of what works look at a factory curve, and then cut off the bottom.
Like shown here for a desmogged Chrysler 360
360 Tune Up
But you'll need to cut more off (higher initial)

Another technique for adjusting timing on Delco type advances.
MSD-Delco Distributor Weight Modification For Less Advance
 
Mattax said:
That's just Don's perspective. There's two more points points of view in that thread.
Spark plug timing marks
and
Spark plug timing marks

Initial can be ballparked from here
Distributor starting point for a curve

If that says to start with a lot of timing, then you'll need less in the advance.
If you will be using vacuum advance, then use a slower curve. If you use a fast curve part throttle and highway will be pinging.
To get some idea of what works look at a factory curve, and then cut off the bottom.
Like shown here for a desmogged Chrysler 360
360 Tune Up
But you'll need to cut more off (higher initial)

Another technique for adjusting timing on Delco type advances.
MSD-Delco Distributor Weight Modification For Less Advance
Click to expand...


I love reading Tuners stuff. I've asked him to write a book but he thinks I'm nuts. I'm not arguing I'm not, but he should still write a book.
 
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