How far advanced should timing be at idle? The book (and engine compartment sticker) say 8 degrees btdc at 600 rpm. However the car (stock 350 with correct Rochester Q-jet, distributor, etc.) seems to run best with the timing mark about 1-2 inches above the top of the timing scale. Is this normal and/or good??

I am sure I'm timing off of spark plug wire 1, and I have disconnected and plugged the vacuum advance hose. I am not at all sure I've got the rebuilt carb adjusted properly yet.

Is it normal to have the timing, at idle, set that far advanced?? I guess I would need to get some timing tape to figure out exactly how many degrees it is, since it's off the scale.

i have set timing both with a timing light and by feel. i currently have my timing set as per feel. you can run all the advance you want until the engine pings under acceleration or it won't crank over when hot when starting. bump the timing ahead until you discover either problem, then back it down until they go away. you will notice better power as well as better fuel mileage. on the downside emissions will increase and the engine will run hotter (watch your temp gauge). i have run this way on all cars i have owned over the last 30 years with never a problem. be sure to have your vacuum advance working as mileage will suffer if its not. i haven't put a timing light on it but i'm probably running 14-16 degees initial advance without any problem.

|UPDATED|5/2/2003 5:58:47 PM|/UPDATED|

The book setting is for the best emissions and fuel economy. The best setting for performance is done differently. Disconnect the vacuum line and set the timing at 36 degrees full advance. That means rev the engine until it doesn't advance any more and adjust it to 36 degrees. Typical GM distributors have around 14 degrees advance built in. If you do the math, initial timing would be around 22 degrees. reatach the vacuum line and test run it. If it doesn't ping then it will be fine. If it does start to ping then back it down alittle until the pinging stops.

Ditto what these other gentlemen have said. I used to drive myself nuts with a timing light when I first started playing with engines.Advance it as far as you want as long as it runs good, ie:proper temp no pinging and no problem starting!