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1977 400 timing setting

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Old Jan 16, 2002 | 10:55 AM
  #1  
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1977 400 timing setting

I have a 400 in my '77 F-150, but the engine actually came out of a mercury. While the sticker on the valve cover shows the timing setting at 16 degrees BTDC, I need to set it to the timing required for the truck since I have to smog it here in CA. Does anyone know what the sticker says for the truck version of the 400 for 1977?
 
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Old Jan 16, 2002 | 11:16 AM
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1977 400 timing setting

The timing for your 400 should be the same for all 400's.
AFAIK The timing is meant for vehicles at SEA LEVEL.
So a vehicle that is being driven in the mountains (or above sea level)on a regular basis would require a different setting.


Dennis

Oh....Please Don't Ask Me Any Tough Questions As:
"I'm Saving Up MY Memory For When I Develop Alzheimer's"






78 F-150 429CJ C6 ,Silver w/Explorer Pkge
641/2 Mustang,Pre-World's Fair Car #8092
64 Fairlane S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang.Sunlit Gold 80,000 miles
 
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Old Jan 16, 2002 | 04:19 PM
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1977 400 timing setting

Allowable Emissions in California are different between a truck and a car. The timing I believe is around 8-10 degrees for a 400 in a truck, not what I have it set at now , 16 degrees, based on the sticker for the car, but I'm not 100% sure. I have to get my truck smogged and need to be sure of the correct timing setting so that it doesn't fail emissions testing, visual or otherwise.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2002 | 06:41 PM
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1977 400 timing setting

I understand your predicament.

If it was me ,I would time it at the point it is Most efficient
and least amount of emissions. If you set the timing at a certain degree according to specs and the wear of the engine causes MORE emissions at that setting,Isn't it defeating the purpose of getting the emissions down to minimum according to California law.

In other words, If the book says the timing should be set at 10* BTC
and due to the state the engine is in the emissions are higher than if you set it according to Vacuum pressure and the timing ends up at 14* BUT its the MOST efficient setting and gives less emission wouldn't this be better for you.

It's too bad it isn't a 79-80 vehicle ,I have all the info you'd ever need regarding Calif settings.

P.S. I'm only trying to help.

Dennis

Oh....Please Don't Ask Me Any Tough Questions As:
"I'm Saving Up MY Memory For When I Develop Alzheimer's"






78 F-150 429CJ C6 ,Silver w/Explorer Pkge
641/2 Mustang,Pre-World's Fair Car #8092
64 Fairlane S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang.Sunlit Gold 80,000 miles
 
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Old Jan 16, 2002 | 08:01 PM
  #5  
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1977 400 timing setting

Okay, I found my SPECIAL tune-up book that all the different
specs surrouding different engines.

The 77 400 = 8* BTC Calif. Auto 625 RPM
Calif models use an AR52 plug gapped at .060"
I have much more Calif. info.
Too much to list.

Dennis

Oh....Please Don't Ask Me Any Tough Questions As:
"I'm Saving Up MY Memory For When I Develop Alzheimer's"






78 F-150 429CJ C6 ,Silver w/Explorer Pkge
641/2 Mustang,Pre-World's Fair Car #8092
64 Fairlane S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang.Sunlit Gold 80,000 miles
 
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Old Jan 16, 2002 | 10:34 PM
  #6  
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1977 400 timing setting

Dennis,

Thanks. I appreciate you finding that info. Can you e-mail any of the other info, or give me the name of your SPECIAL tune-up book?

Rich
 
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Old Jan 16, 2002 | 10:58 PM
  #7  
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1977 400 timing setting

How about I scan the page and E-Mail it to you?

You have to e-mail me direct so All I have to do is reply with it.
Ok?

Dennis

Oh....Please Don't Ask Me Any Tough Questions As:
"I'm Saving Up MY Memory For When I Develop Alzheimer's"






78 F-150 429CJ C6 ,Silver w/Explorer Pkge
641/2 Mustang,Pre-World's Fair Car #8092
64 Fairlane S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang.Sunlit Gold 80,000 miles
 
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Old Jan 17, 2002 | 06:10 PM
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1977 400 timing setting

Dennis,

I would really appreciat you sending that too me. I e-mailed you this morning. Thanks again!

Rich
 
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Old Jan 17, 2002 | 08:14 PM
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1977 400 timing setting

 
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Old Jan 17, 2002 | 10:15 PM
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1977 400 timing setting

They are on their way.

Dennis

Oh....Please Don't Ask Me Any Tough Questions As:
"I'm Saving Up MY Memory For When I Develop Alzheimer's"






78 F-150 429CJ C6 ,Silver w/Explorer Pkge
641/2 Mustang,Pre-World's Fair Car #8092
64 Fairlane S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang.Sunlit Gold 80,000 miles
 
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