Mikes86transam

I'm installing an MSD 8362 HEI distributor and I have some timing questions. I understand I should start out with 10 to 12deg initial but what about Total timing? How about springs and weights do I need to change them to get total? Also I can't see the timing pointer down by the balancer does the LG4 not have a pointer? Car is a 86 TA with the LG4 but I'm going to non computer controlled holley and no EGR. Engine has the edlebrock performer cam but I didn't put it in the prev owner did.

windowrattler

iTrader: (3)

You'll want 32-36 degrees of total advance. The newer blocks have a timing tab at the 12 o'clock position so perhaps look there. One tool that makes timing a breeze is a dial back timing light. As far as fine tuning the advance rate with springs and such I have no clue and would love to learn also.

91interceptorZ

iTrader: (3)

[quote=windowrattler;4526493]You'll want 32-36 degrees of total advance....quote]
I agree totally, run the car at higher rpm (3k), and then check what the total timing is. Usually you can get 2-4 deg. of advancement from the intial timing...so if your car calls for 6 deg. initial, I wouldn't go more than 8-10. Remember, too much timing can hurt you. Play with it a bit and see what the car likes.

Mikes86transam

Thanks guys. Yep I found the pointer by looking down through the back of the water pump. Should I put timing tape on the balancer or just put some white paint on the timing mark on the balancer?

windowrattler

iTrader: (3)

You'll never be able to tell the 32-36 total advance unless you use the timing tape. A great investment is a dial back or advanced timing light would be even easier. Worth every penny. Think we got a cheapo for around 35-40 bucks.

Also remember the 32-36 is without the vacuum conected.

If you run into part throttle hesitation or pinging you can probably adjust the vacuum advance by using an alan wrench into the vacuum plug. My summit distribuator had it i'm sure your msd has it also.

Mikes86transam

Ok got the MSD 8362 and the new carb on. Car fired right up and was right on 10deg initial! LOL The only thing that's kind of an issue is the vac advance is right into the heater hose which is going to make it hard to adjust.

I bought a digital dial back timing light by Actron but I'm not really sure how to use it. Let's say I want 36 deg so I just bring that up on the timing light and adjust until I get it? At what RPM to I want to see that 36 deg?? 2800RPM? And I want the vac advance unhooked while I set total advance correct? Thanks for the help!

91interceptorZ

iTrader: (3)

you could re clock the distributor so that the vacuum advance in moved over one tooth so it's not hitting the heater hose.

but anyways, on the dial back light, what you do is on your light itself there should either be a dial indicator or digital readout, you start the car and set the timing light to say 32 34 36, somewhere around there, rev your car to about 3,000 rpm and hold steady, then time the car like you would normally (this usually takes another person to hold gas while your timing it). What the goal is now is to get the timing mark on balancer to line with zero mark on timing tab. if it's not lined up with zero, adjust the timing light up or down and watch the mark move. when you get to zero on the timing tab marks, then look at your timing light and see what it is set at, if it says 40, then you have 40 degs total timing. Hope that made sense.

pretty much on dial back lights always set the timing indicator to zero on the car and read off what the timing light says. so on your ten degrees intitial, if you set the timing gun at zero deg., and time car the mark should be at the ten spot on the timing tab, if you then turn the **** (or press button) to set gun to ten degrees, the timing mark should be a zero degrees on the timing tab. I hope something made sense here........number on gun is what your timing is, timing marks on car always adjust to zero.
the vacuum advance should not make a difference at this rpm, because the centrifical advance should already be maxed out (hence total timing),

Mikes86transam

Yep I put the timing light on 10deg and the TDC mark was at 0 and then I put the gun on 0 and the TDC was at 10deg on the pointer. I'm just having a heck of a time finding total timing. I held it steady at 3000 and I moved the numbers up and down on the timing light and I can't get a steady reading. Going to give the engine a break for now as it was getting pretty hot.

I don't have anybody to help me as my wife is pregnant and she doesn't want to breathe in any of the ehaust/gas fumes and I don't want her to either.

Mikes86transam

Ok total timing on the engine is 52deg at 3000RPM. The timing light says 52deg and the TDC mark is on the 0deg mark on the pointer. Way way too much timing right? Should I dial back initial timing then?

Mikes86transam

Took the car for a ride. No pinging going up hills or when I get on it. Man putting on the holley carb and the MSD 8362 HEI distributor really made the little 305 come to life! It will hold me over until I get the 383 in there over the winter.

windowrattler

iTrader: (3)

If you unplug the vacuum advance you'd probably be reading about 32 degrees advance. I know when we did my friends car he had about 20 degrees of vacuum advance when we had it plugged in.

Mikes86transam

Yep your right it's right around 32deg. I read in a technical article here on thirdgen that if your between 45-55 deg your pretty good. After taking it on a couple rides it doesn't ping at all.