Ok, so this has to be the 3rd (and now new) forum that I have tried to figure out the base ignition timing for my 400, so hopefully I will be in luck here

Ok, so heres my deal, I had a Ford 400 (bored 30 so now 408, not like it's much of a difference) built by an arizona engine builder and have all the specs on the engine, but I've had one hell of a time trying to figure out the ignition timing on the 400 (even the stock timing since two Ford manuals state 2 different timing specs on this motor). I had this engine built with 2v Aussie Quench heads and the compression for the motor is rated at true 9.5:1. I'm using a Comp Cams DEH (Dual energy cam) of which I have posted a photo of the gring specs below.

So far from what I can find for a Manual Transmission truck with the 400 the timing is either at 10* or 12* but I've tried everthing from 6*-14* with no luck. I do have a MSD Pro Billet Distributor (Yes, I don't care about opinions on MSD ignition, I've used MSD for years on my SCCA racecars and never had a problem, hopefully this forum has members that aren't going to have a rant about me being some kind of MSD idiot.

Most the reasons I'm concerned is that I've had some rough running issues lately, no real pinging that I can tell (but the USMC made me half deaf lol) I just want to make sure I'm running the proper ignition timing before I go and point the finger anywhere else. this engine has been a tuning nightmare and the builder has been no help at all at this point

Thank you everyone, and thank you for allowing me to be a part of the forum (like you had the choice lol)

Here is the link to my Cam Grind Specs.

 

Base timing should not be so much of an issue as long as its not pinging. If you are having so many isssues why not get distrubutor curve checked because base timing is only at idle. Your timing might be all over the plac eas you rev it.

Corey

 

Well moreover my issue has been rough idle, I've pretty much ruled out the carb or any vaccum leaks, I'm running off a little rich but it shouldn't be an issue in this sort to my knowledge.

I don't think the curve would affect rough running at idle... or would it? to everything I understand about timing that wouldn't

 

I know that stock 400's came from for with the cam gear.. retarded back 2 teeth, so IDK if that makes a diffrence or not with anything but yeah. We just jump them up 2 teeth and BAM got a decent little engine. I am not saying this as a matter of fact thing bu I was told it, and I have done it and seen it work wonders. So IDK if there is some kin of adjustment you would need to do or what.

 

Check your distributor cap, plug wires and spark plugs. If your vacuum is steady, even poorly tuned it should be fairly smooth. Sometimes you may get a crappy distributor cap, or spark plug.

 

Make sure your harmonic balancer TDC marks are true to the engine sometimes this is often over looked.

 

...or just set your timing with a vacuum gauge. Way easier and if you feel like it you can fine tune your carb at the same time.