What is the dwell on a Chevy 350?
The dwell on a Chevy 350 engine refers to the amount of time the ignition points remain closed during each firing cycle. This is an important parameter that affects the engine's performance and efficiency. In this article, we'll dive into the details of dwell and its significance for the Chevy 350 engine.
What is Dwell?
Dwell, also known as dwell time or dwell angle, is the amount of time the ignition points remain closed during each firing cycle of an engine. It is measured in degrees of crankshaft rotation and is a critical factor in the proper timing and operation of the ignition system.
The dwell on a Chevy 350 engine is typically between 30 and 35 degrees. This means that the ignition points remain closed for 30 to 35 degrees of crankshaft rotation during each firing cycle.
Importance of Dwell
The dwell on a Chevy 350 engine is important for several reasons:
- Ignition Timing: The dwell directly affects the ignition timing of the engine. If the dwell is too low, the ignition timing will be advanced, leading to potential engine damage. Conversely, if the dwell is too high, the ignition timing will be retarded, reducing engine performance.
- Spark Intensity: The dwell also affects the intensity of the spark generated by the ignition system. A longer dwell time allows the coil to build up more energy, resulting in a stronger spark and better combustion.
- Engine Efficiency: Proper dwell helps ensure efficient combustion, which can improve fuel economy and engine performance.
Maintaining the correct dwell on a Chevy 350 engine is crucial for optimal engine performance and longevity.
Adjusting Dwell
If the dwell on a Chevy 350 engine needs to be adjusted, it can be done by adjusting the ignition points or the electronic ignition module, depending on the engine's configuration. It's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and use the appropriate tools and techniques to ensure the dwell is set correctly.
Proper dwell adjustment, along with other engine maintenance tasks, can help keep your Chevy 350 engine running at its best.
What is the dwell setting on a small block Chevy?
The dwell should be 28-32 and you want to set it first as dwell effects timing but timing does not effect dwell. Most dwell meters get one lead to ground and one to the neg side of the coil.
Do you set dwell with electronic ignition?
With the use of modern electronics, there is no reason to be concerned with setting the dwell of an ignition system, however the concept of dwell time still takes place in the coil.
What are the symptoms of an incorrect dwell angle?
If the dwell angle is not the same for all cylinders , the result is rough running and poor fuel economy because the moment the spark-plug fires varies from cylinder to cylinder. Points opening as the lobe of the cam starts to lift the contact-breaker heel.
What is Dwell on a V8 engine?
Dwell is the length of time the points were CLOSED. the lower the dwell angle the longer the points were closed. an 8 cylinder engine would have 8 lobes on the distributor shaft on which the points arm would ride.
What should the dwell angle be?
The Dwell angle is 180° on a 360° (1 cylinder) meter scale and will read as 45° on a 90° (4 cylinder) meter scale, or 30º on a 60° (6 cylinder) meter scale.
What should a Chevy 350 timing be set at?
Initial timing isn't as important as total timing. Total timing on a sbc should be between 34-38 degrees plus vacuum advance. So if you are at 36 degrees at 3k rpm the vac advance should be unhooked and the line plugged.
