Timing on 1972 350 Olds ?

[87/442]

How much timing should I run on a 1972 350 Olds engine?
The engine is basically stock with a Edelbrock intake,1406 Edelbrock carb ,HEI distributor,Hedman headers and an aftermarket cam of unknown brand/size.
The base timing now is 12 degrees and about 30 degrees at 2500rpm,is this too low ?
It seems like it runs ok,but I don`t have much experience with timing ,so I am not sure if it`s too low or not.

 

[fleming442]

Olds like a lot of base timing, and keep the total around 34. I usually start at 16.

 

[olds307 and 403]

Olds like a lot of timing, period. Run 20 to 22 base, 38 to 40 total without vacuum advance, on the street, feels strongest. At the track I find 36 total quickest. With 8 to 1 compression, full vacuum advance should be no problem and help part throttle.

 

[355boy]

Sorry this is way out of the question but do you guys know were i can find a starter for an olds 350 with long tube headers that will bolt rite in on my driver side??

 

[fleming442]

Sorry this is way out of the question but do you guys know were i can find a starter for an olds 350 with long tube headers that will bolt rite in on my driver side??

Powermaster 9510, available everywhere.

 

[fleming442]

Olds like a lot of timing, period. Run 20 to 22 base, 38 to 40 total without vacuum advance, on the street, feels strongest. At the track I find 36 total quickest. With 8 to 1 compression, full vacuum advance should be no problem and help part throttle.

I was being conservative. It really depends on the combination. My 400G started at 18 and went to 45 total.
You can never be too safe, giving advice on the interweb.

 

[olds307 and 403]

Agree on the 9510. Just going off my personal experience on low compression Olds V8's for timing. I had to go from a 30 degree to a 20 degree vacuum advance canister. It was more responsive but had surging issues with 9 to 1 compression.

 

[foxtrot]

I agree with you with regards to the vacuum advance canister. My SBO, has a compression ratio of 9.5:1 and I'm running an adjustable vacuum can within my DUI HEI that is dialed in to approximately 14 degrees. My base timing is 22 degrees and my mechanical advance maxes out at 14 degrees around 3K RPM is my memory is correct.

Agree on the 9510. Just going off my personal experience on low compression Olds V8's for timing. I had to go from a 30 degree to a 20 degree vacuum advance canister. It was more responsive but had surging issues with 9 to 1 compression.

 

[olds307 and 403]

I am running 22 base, should be around 38-40 total in around 3000 rpm plus the 20 degrees vacuum advance starting at idle. I added a mechanical stop as almost all HEI's add timing around 4000 rpm. Also have the HEI Supercoil and Ignitor 3 module.

 

[355boy]

Powermaster 9510, available everywhere.

Thank you. I appreciate your guys help