Hemi guru's

The AR 53 may be to cold but it is better to start with them and go up one step hotter later As far as the total timing start with 32 at or above 1500 RPM and drive it, then try 34 total and maybe then 35 or 36, pick which ever one that works best in your opinion to use Some things are not the same appearing to all people the same way, what looks like 32 degree to me may look like 31 or 33 to you with the same timing light one the same day Bottom line is to start safe and work your way up to where you don't like it anymore, little bitty steps at a time

Everyones gas and altitude are different as well. I would also start at about 20 initial with 32-34 total. The springs in the carbs are important as well and getting the staggered jetting adjusted at all 8 corners takes some thought with a stock manifold.

Sheldon

Since you asked, and I have a VERY similar combo and car weight and since I have been "through it" with the timing, let me share with you what I found. First, with the exception of our trans, (I have a 727/Gear Vendor w/3,000 converter), our cars are very much the same. In my experience, you don't have a CLUE where your timing is until you verify it YOURSELF! First thing, where is top dead center on #1. Think about it, did your balancer, timing chain cover come off the assembly line together? If they did are they accurate? Mine came from a hodge podge of parts. My "professional" engine builder said that when we dynoed the engine it made more power @ 32 degrees vs. 34 degrees. 635HP@ 5,900 rpm. WRONG! When I put it in the car and started driving it,it didn't "feel" right so I checked the true TDC with a piston stop that I made from an old plug. I am embarrassed to tell you how many degrees it was off! Lesson one, don't ASSUME ANYTHING!. So first thing is, KNOW where TDC #1 REALLY is! Step #2, your engine will TELL you how much initial timing it wants, with a warm engine, use a vacuum gauge on a MANIFOLD port. Increase timing until the gauge is "topped out". Then adjust idle circuit until gauge it at highest point. THEN check initial timing @ idle. Then slowly with no load, increase rpms until you see the total timing and at what rpm. If it is over 35, you will have to limit the curve. I won't go into that as I am already "long" on this post and I don't know what kind of distributor you have. I had to take mine apart, weld shut the advance slots, check, pull, grind weld slowly, and check again etc. A long process but, when I was done, I found my engine liked 35 TRUE degrees total and 20 degrees at 1,000 rpm idle. After driving it "before" and "after", I am SHURE that I am making at least what the dyno showed!

Post note: How fast should the curve be? In other words, at what rpm should your timing be "all in"? You have a 4 speed. A clutch loads the engine totally different than a converter. Then your driving style.
Do you tend to "lug" the engine to keep from shifting so much? Mine liked to be "all in" at 2,500rpm, but yours may need to be higher. Listen carefully, check plugs for shiny spots, DO NOT DETONATE THE ENGINE! Then the most argued point, do you or don't you run vacuum advance? I do, my engine has 45+ degrees WITH vacuum advance with no load, trust me, it LOVES IT at part throttle "tip in". By the way, I am not a "guru" just a basement built "hot rod".

Sheldon, I need to get with you on jet selection and springs. As I saw your post about your setup.

I find the smaller Hemi's like more timing than people are posting...I have had many, and they seem to really like about 20-23 initial what ever will still kick over reasonably and as much as 38* or so total....Ever engine is a little different, but as you give it more timing, your fuel curve needs to be right. An engine will take in more fuel with more timing...

My 605 likes 28 initial and 35 total. My 528 made max power at 33 degrees. Dave

gg: Ill see if I can find what I used with a setup similiar to yours. I usually write down different combos when I try them, especially when they work.

Sheldon

Thanks Sheldon. You da man!

There's something real uncomfortable about seeing a man that drives around in the daytime with the lights on.

What steps will help you avoid a woman pulling out or making a left turn in front of you, in order of results (best first)?
1. Mars light
2. 150 db horn
3. brights on
4. be 20 feet high, 30 feet wide, and on fire

I have an intermittent flashing headlight on my Harley Fat boy, and I can tell you that many, many drivers look at me, don't see me, and start to pull out.
Then the flash catches them and the nose sags as they brake.
Personally, I'd put a 10mm warning shot through their windshield but that simply trades being dead for a different problem.

Wait! Exception: anyone who causes an accident by texting should be burnt alive in her car.