IM LOST WITH TIMING, HELP!

[gbodyera]

I cant seem to understand why my timing is acting the way it is.

I hook up the timing gun and remove/plug the vac advance on dizzy. I get it to 18 on the balancer. Sounds good? No.
The throttle response is good at 18.

Ok. Then I hook the dizzy back up (vac adv) and check it out. Im revving up to 2500-3000 rpm where it doesnt advance anymore and its in the high 40s-50ish with the timing gun. Im lost.

 

[84cutspreme]

What motor and what kind of a cam & crank setup? I know that most stock chevy 350's have a base of 8 degrees BTDC. 305's are at 4 degrees BTDC, 307's between 18-20 BTDC. This is all from book for stock tune-up's. They all varied a little between years and trans application. I don't know if this helps but timing I have always done kind of as seat of the pants. My mild 350 setup with vacuum advance and automatic trans is at 12 degrees BTDC. Just another bit of info BTDC is advanced and ATDC is retarded. Again though it depends on your setup.

 

[anakputa]

Is the balancer good? Not spun, key way on crank good? Timing Chain Good? The Gear on the bottom of the distributor not worn out? Most advance you want to see 36 Degrees Mechanically Overall. You should look at the springs and weights under the rotor, they sell different spring kits to advance your timing with the engines powerband and transmission shifting etc. Is this and aftermarket HEI?

 

[gbodyera]

Great. Guys I finally think I got the timing set earlier (6 initial)about 32-36 total. Couldnt really tell because while I was doing that I was checking my electric fans on the radiator and somehow my middle finger slipped in and I ended up cutting a tendon a little bit and getting 12 stitches. I BLAME ALL OF YOU! lol.... Just kidding.

Am I crazy or do I love cars? but I came right home from the hospital and got right back to work.

 

[84cutspreme]

Ouch!!

 

[19cutlass79]

wow! putting the reality of having ones blood, sweat and tears in our cars. Great work. I have to shoot my timing too, the guy I got my wagon from didn't use a gun went by ear, but he knows he retarded it, feels like it too, feels like it's holding back when I put my foot in it.

wade

 

[carmangary]

Sorry for butting in but where is the timing mark and reference point on these engines? (i have a olds 260).