What should the timing be set at on a stock Chevy 350?
The ideal timing for a stock Chevy 350 engine should be set at around 10-12 degrees before top dead center (BTDC) at idle. This timing setting helps ensure optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and engine longevity for this classic small-block V8 engine.
Understanding Ignition Timing
Ignition timing refers to the moment the spark plugs fire in relation to the position of the pistons in the engine's cylinders. Proper timing is crucial for an engine to run efficiently and produce maximum power. If the timing is too advanced (too early), it can cause pre-ignition and engine damage. If the timing is too retarded (too late), the engine will run poorly and lose power.
Recommended Timing for a Stock Chevy 350
For a stock, unmodified Chevy 350 engine, the recommended ignition timing is typically in the range of 10-12 degrees BTDC at idle. This timing setting provides the best balance of performance, fuel economy, and engine longevity for this engine configuration.
- 10-12 degrees BTDC at idle: This timing setting allows the fuel-air mixture to ignite at the optimal moment, just before the piston reaches top dead center on the compression stroke.
- Stock Chevy 350 engines: The stock Chevy 350 was designed to run best with this timing range, as it takes into account factors like the engine's compression ratio, camshaft profile, and other stock components.
- Unmodified engines: If the engine has been modified with performance parts, the optimal timing may need to be adjusted accordingly. Always consult a qualified mechanic or the manufacturer's recommendations for modified engines.
Proper ignition timing is essential for a Chevy 350 engine to run at its best. By setting the timing to the recommended 10-12 degrees BTDC at idle, you can ensure your stock Chevy 350 engine delivers reliable performance and fuel efficiency.
How do you know if your timing is too advanced on a Chevy?
Some incorrect timing symptoms can include engine knocking or pinging, a loss of power or acceleration, decreased fuel economy, an overheating engine or rough idle.
What rpm should base timing be set at?
3,000 - 3,500 rpm
(Usually, 3,000 - 3,500 rpm will do it.)
What is good ignition timing?
That is typically 15-35 degrees before TDC (top dead center) of the power stroke depending on the engine speed. Best power is achieved when ignition timing is set to fire the spark ahead of time to reach that peak pressure at about 2 degrees after TDC.
What should my timing be set at?
A typical street engine with a compression ratio of 9.0:1 runs very well with around 36 degrees of timing (initial plus mechanical) for a rough total of 15-55 degrees of timing at light throttle when vacuum advance is employed. If the engine detonates or pings under WOT, reduce the timing.
How do I know if my timing is right?
A well-timed engine produces a harmonious hum. If you start hearing clanking, knocking, or pinging noises, your engine might be struggling to keep the beat. These sounds are the engine's way of signaling that something is amiss with the timing of the combustion process.
What is the timing order for a 350?
The firing order for a Chevrolet 350 small-block engine is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. This firing order is used in many V8 engines, including the Chevrolet 350 cubic inch (5.7-liter) engine. It's essential to follow this firing order when installing spark plug wires or adjusting the ignition timing for proper engine operation.
What firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2?
See, 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 is the most common firing order for old V8 engines. It's used for big- and small-block Chevys and Mopars plus Buicks, Pontiacs, AMCs, most Oldsmobiles, and even DeSotos, Packards, and Studebakers. Probably more.
What should SBC initial timing be?
Timing specs vary, but a good rule of thumb is to set the timing at 12 degrees advance once the engine has started up for the first time.
What should the timing be on stock sbc 350?
In most cases starting out with 12 degrees of initial advance is about right. However, that may result too much total advance, which should be limited to around 36-37 degrees so the distributor's advance curve may have to be altered. How that is done will depend on the distributor you use.
What should the base timing be on a small block Chevy?
Depending on your cylinder heads, compression ratio, camshaft, and centrifugal advance curve in the distributor, "normal" base timing for a street high-perf small-block Chevy is somewhere in the 12- to 18-degree before top dead center (BTDC) range, with total timing at full centrifugal advance about 34 to 36 degrees ...
