Posted By: hp340nos
where do i set base timing on my 418 stroker( UPDATED) - 08/31/10 06:47 PM
how do i know where to set base timing on my 418 fresh build, and how fast to bring in total timing.distributor is an older mp unit that was bought with electronic conversion kit.current ignition is msd6al with blaster 2 coil, motor is 340 stroker 418 cid, 9.7 comp,ported/polished cast iron x-head open chamber.cam is herbert solid roller .246/.253@.050,lift is .585 in/.600 ex. 108*centerline installed at 103.5*,weiand x-celarator intake,750 db pumper jets are 72f/82r with 6.5 pv in carb.vacuum is currently at 11" at idle at 1200rpm,when i put it in gear, it idles little rough and vacuum drops to about 6.5-7.5 it fluctuates with the cam lope . i have a older dial -back sears timing light that i believe is reading higher than it actually is,it says base timing is 30*but it starts without any problems,im borrowing a friends non dial back timing light to verify if my timing light is indeed reading wrong.any tips, ideas.thanks mike
Posted By: RobX4406
Re: where do i set base timing on my 418 stroker sm blk? - 08/31/10 06:54 PM
Is the distributor locked out at 30* or is that what the total is???
I'd set initial at least in the 18-20 range, maybe more. Make sure it doesn't pull any timing out when you drop it in gear. May require some work with springs in the distributor if it does.
When you pull it in gear, how much does the RPM drop?
Posted By: hp340nos
Re: where do i set base timing on my 418 stroker sm blk? - 08/31/10 07:21 PM
i currently have a stock distributor that im trying to figure out what base timing it likes,then i can recurve my mp unit?it drops down to 900 in gear but idles little rough.base is at 30* with my dial back,like i said i will check timing with a non dial make tommorrow to see if my dial back is giving bad readings.thansk mike
Posted By: DennisJ
Re: where do i set base timing on my 418 stroker sm blk? - 08/31/10 11:33 PM
Take the relucter out of the dist,pull the advance weights and look for the advance # on the part that holds the weights. whatever the number is you double it.(if it is 11.5degrees x 2 is 23 degrees) Subtract that from 35 degrees and you will have your initial timeing.
With the x-heads I would shoot for 35 degrees total.
Dennis Jokela
Posted By: MR_P_BODY
Re: where do i set base timing on my 418 stroker sm blk? - 08/31/10 11:52 PM
So are you saying you still have all the advance stuff
in it
Posted By: hp340nos
Re: where do i set base timing on my 418 stroker sm blk? - 09/01/10 12:15 AM
mr p-body the dist that is in it now is a dead stock small block. i was told to try to establish base timing 1st with the stock one then,i can figure out what my mp dist wants as far as curve goes.the other dist that i have is a mopar performance dist.it is set up if its 20 base* total is 35* but i think the total is coming in to quick so it wont idle that well once i put it in gear.if it idles at 1300 rpm i put it in gear it drops down below 1000 and wants to die out some if i dont touch throttle.i set the timing with a dial back light(sears dial back),could be the problem,it reads 30*base,and does not kick back when it starts so i borrowed a non dial back to check against mine. i think its reading wrong on my msd6al and the dial back but need to verify that. thanks mike
Posted By: hp340nos
Re: where do i set base timing on my 418 stroker sm blk? - 09/01/10 01:10 AM
im not sure what timing is in gear, i will check it in the morning,i will check it with the dial back and non dial back to make sure the problem doesnt lie in the dial back timing light(reading to much timing when its actually lower than it reads)say it reads 30* on the dial back when its actually 20* on the non dial back light etc,does this sound right, i want to make sure im giving acurrate info to diagnose.
Posted By: hp340nos
Re: where do i set base timing on my 418 stroker sm blk? - 09/01/10 01:20 AM
ok i will check it with the non dial back in morning and post the results, thanks mike
Posted By: BobR
Re: where do i set base timing on my 418 stroker sm blk? - 09/01/10 01:30 AM
I either lock my distributor or use springs that allow full advance about 1000-1200 rpm. This may not be compatible with pump gas but I always mix some racing gas with mine for insurance. I've found that Mopars run better this way.
Posted By: Devilbrad
Re: where do i set base timing on my 418 stroker sm blk? - 09/01/10 01:36 AM
Mike, I have had a couple of those Sears dial back timing lights. Check that the set screw on the knob hasn't loosened allowing the knob to turn before the shaft in the light. It's happened on every one I have had. Eventually the knobs crack and it's useless without a new knob.
Posted By: hp340nos
Re: where do i set base timing on my 418 stroker sm blk? - 09/01/10 04:23 PM
dial back timing light was an issue with the msd 6al,it was reading 30*at idle (1100rpm),hooked up an old sear roebuck non dial back and it reads 24* at idle, this is with a dead factory stock distributor,put it in gear it idles at 800-850 rpm little shakey touch gas little it smooths up.now the dist i want to use is an mopar performance out of the electronic ignition conversion pkg, when i tried it before the stock one it wouldnt idle at all in gear,it has had the slots shortened,when it was in another motor if it was set at 20*base it was 35*total.springs are whatever mp put in it.what do i do? do i need a heavier spring to delay mechanical advance some so it doesnt come in so early,so when i put it in gear it doesnt drop timing so much?thanks mike