What should base timing be on a SBC?

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 …

What degree should base timing be set at?

Most engines set ignition timing somewhere between zero and 20 degrees before top dead center. This is called base timing.

What should my timing advance be at idle?

All discussion of ignition timing starts with the initial timing. This is the amount of advance at idle with the spark triggered Before Top Dead Center (BTDC). Most stock street engines call for 6 to 8 degrees of initial advance, but this is not set in stone.

What is normal timing advance?

Most stock street engines call for 6 to 8 degrees of initial advance, but this is not set in stone. Engines with longer duration camshafts and other modifications often demand more initial timing.

How do you check the timing on a camshaft?

To find exact TDC, first set the dial indicator to zero at the point of highest piston travel. Next, turn the crankshaft counterclockwise about 90 degrees. Then, slowly rotate the crankshaft clockwise (the normal direction of engine rotation) until the indicator is . 030″ below the TDC (zero) setting.

What is the correct timing for a small block Chevy?

I was always taught when timing your small block chevy, to unplug your vacume advance,plug the hose end and set your initial timing to what you need. Usually for stock chevy around 4-6 degrees btdc at idle.

How do you set the timing without vacuum advance?

So, set your initial timing with no vacuum advance. Set your timing curve (springs/weights/bushings) with no vacuum advance. Then, plug your vacuum advance back in. Also, at 1200 RPM’s you MAY have some mechanical advance already kicking in.

How do I set the ignition timing to fixed?

Navigate over to the Basic Setup tab and click on More Ignition Settings. This will open the More Ignition Options Menu. If Fixed Advance is set to Use Table, go ahead and set it to Fixed timing.

What is the correct timing angle for my engine?

For instance, for most rotary and Ford TFI engines, we prefer to set the Fixed Angle to 20.0 degrees. The key here is to enter a reasonable timing advance for your engine while we verify that our commanded timing is the same as our actual timing. Remember the value that you set here. For this example, I am setting the Fixed Angle at 10.0 degrees.