What is the timing order for a small block 350?

The timing order for a small block 350 engine is a crucial aspect of its proper operation and performance. This article will provide a detailed explanation of the timing order, including the sequence of events and the importance of each step.

Timing Order Explained

The timing order for a small block 350 engine refers to the specific sequence in which the engine's valves open and close in relation to the position of the pistons. This timing is essential for ensuring efficient combustion, maximizing power output, and preventing engine damage.

The timing order for a small block 350 engine is as follows:

1. Intake valve opens


2. Piston reaches bottom dead center (BDC)


3. Intake valve closes


4. Piston reaches top dead center (TDC)


5. Spark plug fires


6. Exhaust valve opens


7. Piston reaches BDC


8. Exhaust valve closes

This sequence ensures that the engine's intake and exhaust valves open and close at the appropriate times, allowing for the efficient intake of air and fuel, and the expulsion of exhaust gases.

Importance of Proper Timing

Maintaining the correct timing order is crucial for the proper operation and performance of a small block 350 engine. If the timing is off, it can lead to a variety of issues, including:

• Reduced power output


• Decreased fuel efficiency


• Increased engine wear and tear


• Potential engine damage

Proper timing ensures that the engine's valves open and close at the right moments, allowing the engine to operate at its peak efficiency and preventing potential issues.

Adjusting the Timing

Adjusting the timing on a small block 350 engine typically involves the following steps:

1. Locate the timing marks on the crankshaft and camshaft


2. Use a timing light to check the timing


3. Adjust the distributor position to align the timing marks


4. Verify the timing using the timing light

It's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and use the appropriate tools and techniques to ensure the timing is adjusted correctly.

What should SBC 350 timing be set at?

For an SBC 350, a typical initial timing is 8-12 degrees BTDC, which you set at idle with a timing light while the engine is warm and the vacuum advance is disconnected and plugged. Total timing should be set at higher RPM (e.g., 36 degrees BTDC at around 2500-3000 RPM), where the mechanical and vacuum advance are both fully engaged. Adjusting the distributor's position while the engine is running is the method for setting the timing.
 
Setting initial timing

1. Warm the engine to operating temperature. 
2. Disconnect and plug the vacuum advance hose from the distributor and carburetor. 
3. Locate the timing marks on the harmonic balancer and pointer, and use a timing light to find the correct initial timing mark (e.g., 8 degrees BTDC). 
4. Loosen the distributor hold-down bolt just enough to allow the distributor to be turned by hand. 
5. Use the timing light to flash the timing mark and observe the alignment. 
6. Rotate the distributor until the timing mark aligns with the desired degree mark on the pointer. 
7. Once aligned, tighten the distributor hold-down bolt, making sure it is secure. 
8. Double-check the timing with the timing light to ensure it hasn't shifted when the bolt was tightened. 

Setting total timing

1. Disconnect the vacuum advance and plug the hose. 
2. Set the timing light to the desired total advance setting (e.g., 36 degrees BTDC). 
3. Start the engine and rev it to the RPM where the mechanical and vacuum advance are fully engaged (e.g., 2500-3000 RPM). 
4. Use the timing light to check the timing mark on the harmonic balancer. It should align with the setting on your timing light. 
5. If it is not aligned, you can adjust the mechanical advance by adding or removing shims from the distributor's weights or by adjusting the springs. 

Tips for timing

• Always use a timing light to accurately set the timing. Don't rely on feel alone. 
• The initial timing is crucial for starting, while total timing is crucial for performance. 
• If you have a performance cam, you may need to set the timing to a higher initial timing setting (e.g., 14 degrees) to get the engine to idle smoothly. 
• If your engine has a lot of mechanical advance, you can use a timing curve kit to adjust the timing more precisely. 

How to set total timing in SBC?

How is it set?

1. Determine your desired total timing.
2. Set your Timing Light to your desired total timing.
3. Start the engine.
4. Rev the engine past the point where your mechanical advance is fully engaged.
5. Watch the timing mark on the harmonic balancer using the timing light.

What is the timing order for a 350 Chevy?

The Chevy 350 firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. For a standard small-block Chevy engine, the distributor rotates clockwise. To set the timing, you must first find the number one cylinder, line up the engine's timing marks at Top Dead Center (TDC), and then connect the spark plug wires to the distributor cap in the correct sequence, starting with cylinder #1.
 
Cylinder numbering

• Cylinders are numbered from front to back.
• The driver's side is typically numbered 1, 3, 5, 7.
• The passenger's side is typically numbered 2, 4, 6, 8. 

Setting the timing order

1. 1. Locate cylinder #1: The #1 cylinder is the one at the front of the engine on the driver's side. To confirm it's at the compression stroke, you can remove the #1 spark plug and place your finger over the hole; you should feel air pressure when the engine is turned by hand. 
2. 2. Align the timing marks: Find the timing mark on the harmonic balancer and the timing pointer on the timing cover. Use a timing light to ensure they are aligned with the correct mark (e.g., 0 degrees or a specified degree before top dead center). 
3. 3. Orient the distributor: Once the timing marks are set, pull off the distributor cap. The rotor should be pointing towards the #1 spark plug wire terminal on the cap. If it's 180 degrees off, loosen the distributor and rotate it until the rotor is pointing at the #1 terminal. 
4. 4. Connect the spark plug wires: Connect the wires to the distributor cap in the correct firing order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. Start with wire #1 connected to the #1 cylinder terminal, then connect wire #8 to the next terminal in the clockwise direction, and so on. 

This video demonstrates how to set the initial timing on a Chevy 350 engine: 48sCorvetteHopYouTube · Dec 4, 2017
Important considerations

• Clockwise rotation: The distributor in a standard Chevy 350 rotates clockwise. 
• Distributor cap order: The terminals on the distributor cap do not necessarily correspond to the cylinder numbers, but rather the firing order and rotation direction. 
• Correct timing: Proper timing is crucial for the engine to run correctly. If the timing is off, it may not start or may run poorly. 
• 4-7 swap: Some aftermarket camshafts can swap the firing order of cylinders 4 and 7, creating a new order of 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2 to improve performance, according to AA1Car. However, this is not the stock timing order. 

What is a Chevy small block firing order?

The standard SBC (Small Block Chevy) firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. This order is crucial for the engine's proper operation and timing. The cylinders are numbered sequentially from front to back, with 1, 3, 5, and 7 on the driver's side, and 2, 4, 6, and 8 on the passenger's side.
 
This video explains the firing order of the Small Block Chevy V8 engine: 58sfastflo1YouTube · Jan 11, 2021

• Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 
• Cylinder Numbering:
  • Driver's side (left): 1 (front), 3, 5, 7 (back) 
  • Passenger's side (right): 2 (front), 4, 6, 8 (back) 

This video explains the firing order of the SBC 350 engine: 28sDuhe speed shopYouTube · Aug 12, 2023