Timing help for '64 Dart, 225 CI

jwicker said
With my distributor clocked all the way clockwise (as far as it can go with the little channel the bolt goes through), the engine ran fine, about 18* initial timing. (According to Hobo Freight "xenon" light). Yes I verified TDC and the mark on the pulley using #1 cylinder and some wire on piston head.

All timing checked with distributor vacuum removed from carb, and the tube plugged (tube on carb). All timing checked warm.

RPM ?

jwicker said
I adjusted the timing to 24* initial and it ran much stronger / faster. I did this because another post said to turn the distributor counter clockwise until the engine stops revving higher, then lock it down. The engine felt like it woke up on test drives, however, the cranking during start seems far more labored. It's like the starter was working really hard.

I backed it off to 22* initial for now and it's right in the middle of starting easy(ish) and running strong, but I can't help but think I've missed the forest for the trees here.....

Because it is bad advice.

MV8 said
A '64 distributor starts advancing at 560 rpm, with the check at 550. I'm guessing you have no tach or vacuum gauge.

This is good advice.
The most important thing when measuring timing, factory or hot rodded, is to know the rpm of the timing measurement.
The initial timing needs to be set with engine speed lower than the rpm advance starts.
A properly set factory distributor will not be advanced at the rpm given in the service manual.
The engine will go into gear at that slow idle speed with no jerking or pulling, or dying.

jwicker said
Yes, timing increases with engine RPM then stops advancing at a certain point.

If its a correct distributor for your '64 the advance begins just above 550 rpm. It will advance quickly and then more slowly but you need a tach and a dial back or timing tape to measure those points.

From Chrysler
Timing is related to engine speed and fuel mixture

and some tips about setting timing also from Chrysler

https://www.web.imperialclub.info/Repair/Lit/Master/