Thread: fresh 454 up and running, timing question?

Tweet

ran it for 30 mins with by the ear timing, have read many posts saying bbc like 16-18 initial. so that much is clear to me, but after I disconnect and plug advance what rpm should I hold it at to hit er with the timing light?

What did it say on your cam card?

Originally Posted by bigjon 454

ran it for 30 mins with by the ear timing, have read many posts saying bbc like 16-18 initial. so that much is clear to me, but after I disconnect and plug advance what rpm should I hold it at to hit er with the timing light?

I am not sure exactly what you are asking.
I would try and have all your timing out by 3,000 rpm's.

Set the base timing at your idle rpm (whatever that is).

Be sure your mechanical advance does not engage until the rpms come up and have it "all in" by 3000rpm or thereabouts as Erik suggested.

Start out at around 6-700 hundred. Keep your timing light on the tab and give it some gas slowly by hand. You will be able to see when your mechanical advance starts. Make your initial timing adjustments below the rpm when your mechanical advance starts. Keep an eye on your rpms, you may have to adjust your idle speed a little as you make timing adjustments. Timing changes could increase your rpms enough to kick in your mechanical advance a little.
A hand held tach that you can watch under the hood is helpful.

Also, if you don't already have one, get a timing tape for your damper. It'll take all of the guesswork out of setting your timing. I have a cheapo garage sale timing light, and I was able to dial in my timing fairly easily.

at my normal idle which is (800) was the answer I was looking for, the advance part was very helpful too. Will complete both later today.

Originally Posted by bigjon 454

ran it for 30 mins with by the ear timing, have read many posts saying bbc like 16-18 initial. so that much is clear to me, but after I disconnect and plug advance what rpm should I hold it at to hit er with the timing light?

Just to clarify; you should disconnect and plug your vacuum advance before you make any timing adjustments. You probably already know this, perhaps I misread your post.

numbers all over my balancer so no need for the tape, not sure which side on the numbers to use though. My by ear timing and when it sounds the best is no where near the 16-18 initial. With the initial set to this range and having to adjust the idle to keep it running, my total comes in at 40 at 3k rpm. So guessing I'm close??
Some specs for your consideration: rebuilt 454 by professional shop, 30 over stock valves full roller comp thumper cam .227 intake at 50 547 gross (takin off the cam card what the hell it means??), RPM air gap, holley 750 dp, 3k stall t350

numbers all over my balancer so no need for the tape, not sure which side on the numbers to use though. My by ear timing and when it sounds the best is no where near the 16-18 initial. With the initial set to this range and having to adjust the idle to keep it running, my total comes in at 40 at 3k rpm. So guessing I'm close??
Some specs for your consideration: rebuilt 454 by professional shop, 30 over stock valves full roller comp thumper cam .227 intake at 50 547 gross (takin off the cam card what the hell it means??), RPM air gap, holley 750 dp, 3k stall t350

so no need for the tape, not sure which side on the numbers to use though. My by ear timing and when it sounds the best is no where near the 16-18 initial. With the initial set to this range and having to adjust the idle to keep it running, my total comes in at 40 at 3k rpm. So guessing I'm close??
Some specs for your consideration: rebuilt 454 by professional shop, 30 over stock valves full roller comp thumper cam .227 intake at 50 547 gross (takin off the cam card what the hell it means??), RPM air gap, holley 750 dp, 3k stall t350

so no need for the tape, not sure which side on the numbers to use though. My by ear timing and when it sounds the best is no where near the 16-18 initial. With the initial set to this range and having to adjust the idle to keep it running, my total comes in at 40 at 3k rpm. So guessing I'm close??
Some specs for your consideration: rebuilt 454 by professional shop, 30 over stock valves full roller comp thumper cam .227 intake at 50 547 gross (takin off the cam card what the hell it means??), RPM air gap, holley 750 dp, 3k stall t350

so no need for the tape, not sure which side on the numbers to use though. My by ear timing and when it sounds the best is no where near the 16-18 initial. With the initial set to this range and having to adjust the idle to keep it running, my total comes in at 40 at 3k rpm. So guessing I'm close??
Some specs for your consideration: rebuilt 454 by professional shop, 30 over stock valves full roller comp thumper cam .227 intake at 50 547 gross (takin off the cam card what the hell it means??), RPM air gap, holley 750 dp, 3k stall t350