SETTING YOUR TIMING THE PROPER WAY



First you must set the mechanical curve. Worry about the vacuum advance later.

1. Disconnect the vacuum advance.
2. Hold REVS at 3000 RPM or greater.
3. Set timing to 34° BTDC.
4. Return to curb idle. Recheck timing. If its between 12° and 20° BTDC, you are
probably done, reconnect vacuum advance. If timing is less then 12°, mechanical
advance curve (weights, springs) in the distributor needs to be reworked
(for less total advance so you can run more initial spark).

5. Road test. If you hear detonation, disconnect vacuum advance again, retest.
Knocking gone? Readjust vacuum canister spring to slow vacuum advance rate.
Knocking still there? Rework mechanical advance curve for a slower rate of
advance (stiffer springs).

The above assumes a typical "street" state of tune (cam with advertised duration
between 280° and 300°).

Of course, you can always fine tune to your engines particular needs.