Re: 49 Super 8, 327 Overheat-timing set

Posted by Ross On 2012/12/5 18:45:26

Keep in mind that there is not a mark, you are looking for a lightly etched scale from 0 to 15 degrees on the periphery of the balancer.

Failing that, do this: Disconnect the vacuum advance tube at the carb or distributor. Really no need to plug it. Hook a vacuum gage up to some convenient port on your intake manifold. Where the vacuum line goes down to the fuel pump will do, at the front of the manifold on your car. Start her up and adjust the idle speed to a nice brisk even idle. Now advance the timing by turning the distributor clockwise til you get the highest vacuum reading. Note that, and then retard the timing til the vac reading drops about 1 inch. Lock the distributor down there and then set your idle. Turn it off, hook up your advance and vac lines, and then restart. If it seems to buck against the starter, you will have to retard it a bit. Likewise if it pings under load.

My experience with such low compression engines is that you may advance them quite a bit from the ideal without pinging, but they will seem harsh and will absolutely not start when hot.