timing problem

[ARTHUR COOKE]

just put in new timing chain and gears,runs good but only at 12 degrees.book said it should be around 6-8 .is this to much timing for this engine.this is a 1972 318 2bbl.with only 90.000 miles

 

[Rapid Robert]

12 (or more is fine). Ma had discombobulated timing/cam/emission setting/devices to meet the ever changing/strict gov't pollution stds of the day. You're fine

 

[toolmanmike]

As long as it doesn't ping on acceleration or kick back against the starter when cranking you're OK. Most Mopars spec at 10° or less but like 15°+ initial timing. The trick is to limit the total to around 35° and have all the advance in at around 2000 rpm. There are many threads here on that subject. tmm

 

[ARTHUR COOKE]

thanks its at 10 degress now .runs good but needs more power.any advice on h.p. parts

 

[roccodart440]

What is the total timing? 12 degree initial is only half the story here.

 

[AJ/FormS]

And dont forget the initial is set with the vacuum advance disconnected and the carb port plugged.

I mention this because some guys run the Vcan off manifold vacuum. Which will make the timing waaay retarded if set to 10*, with resultant very low power, lousy gas mileage, and driveability issues.
On a pre lean-burn stocker, with the Vcan hooked to the sparkport, the Vcan could be left plumbed in, to set the idle-timing, as it is out of circuit anyway.

 

[doogievlg]

thanks its at 10 degress now .runs good but needs more power.any advice on h.p. parts

No offense but we don't know what is on the motor or in the motor now. You said it's a 2 bbl so I am assuming it's pretty much stock. First thing I would do is a 4 bbl carb and intake and headers.

 

[AJ/FormS]

Yeah and I would make it a stock Thermoquad set-up. But before that I would put the headers on and ensure adequate exhausting. Yes the TQ will work through the manifolds right up until the stock exhaust starts to build pressure. Then it just makes a lot of hot air and noise.
Turn the A/C off.Take the spare tire out, and put her on a diet.Puts some gears in it;3.23 or better, and a S.G.

At your power level, Ima thinking a good set of hi-flowing ex manifolds and big duals would work very well
There is a fellow FABO member that goes to a lot of trouble to provide what looks to be a fine Hi-Po manifold set. Was it Treblig?

 

[roccodart440]

I normally wouldn't' suggest something like this but since this is a stocker wit a 2 bbl here is a something different to try.

There was a local guy that was friends with my dad. He had a 70 Camaro with a small block, 4:10 gears, small tube headers and a worked 2barrel. The car screamed...

Either way to raise your performance without getting into internals you need to look into induction, exhaust, stall, gears, traction.