Timing and ping

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 15, 2017 | 09:31 AM

todd jo

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 316

Likes: 0

Timing and ping

What device can I use to determine the amount of total advance on my distributer as set up without tearing into it. Can it be done.

I have a 69 429 in my signature truck. So it is using the duraspark ignition. I am guessing the dizzy was from a 351 or 400. This summer at lower elevations in overdrive I have bad pinging. I am looking to recurve dizzy before long road trip coastal vacation and I need somewhere to start

Jul 15, 2017 | 09:21 PM

F-250 WARHORSE

Cargo Master

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 2,364

Likes: 117

From: starship enterprise

put a timing light on it, and speed the engine up and watch the balancer, it should come up to around 35 if it came from a 351/400. just keep speeding engine up as long as advance is coming in, pretty soon it will be at a number and you speed up and no more, it just stays there, then hook decide how much you need vs. how much you have, related to how soon. I prefer to run somewhere around 30-35* of advance, without vacuum, with static and centrifugal, all together, and i shoot for around full advance somewhere around 3500 rpm. This will be debated on here, that the timing should be all in by like 2300 rpm or something. Try pulling a trailer or a boat up a mountain pass with 30* @ 2300 rpm, the temp gauge will keep on climbing. I have done it with 390s, 400s, 460s, and 351s, get it up around 2800-3000 rpm, and that is the sweet spot, good luck.

Jul 17, 2017 | 12:04 AM

todd jo

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 316

Likes: 0

I need to get a timing light. I don't mind spending money for quality tools. This is the only rig I can use it on. That being said. Any suggestions on what timing light to get?

Jul 21, 2017 | 07:53 AM

jas88

Lead Driver

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 7,967

Likes: 595

From: Greater Austin, Texas

It will help you a lot if you get one of those timing strips that go around your balancer so that you can see the advance better. Also most balancers are not marked all the way up to 35* so you will do a better job with that part of it. Summit Racing has them, they don't cost much.