273 Ignition timing with a cam

[amusingarts]

Hi guys,

I've finally gotten my engine together and started. Its a 273 with headers a ABF 4 bbl and an Engle cam. It seems to run OK but I haven't taken it out on the road for a real good run yet.

The question I'm hoping someone can help me with is what should I set my ignition timing at? I appreciate any help you guys can offer.

The cam specs off of the cam spec sheet are as follows;

Exhaust lift .405
Running duration 244 degrees
Valve Lash intake .018 and exhaust .020
Gross cam lift .270
Duration 208
Lode centers 110 degrees
Intake opens @ -4 and exhaust closes @ -12

A. musing

 

[krazykuda]

Try setting total advance at 2000 to 34° to 36° BTDC.


Dixie Normous

 

[amusingarts]

Thanks krazykuda, I'll give it a go this afternoon.

 

[toolmanmike]

Use the search function here to find lots of threads about distributor advance and tuning. I tuned my distributor a few years after I rebuilt my 273 and it made a bigger difference in performance than anything I did. I run 12° initial (because it likes it there), 34° total with one light spring and the original light spring for advance. I took the distributor apart and lengthened the advance slots to get the advance I needed. tmm