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Ok, swapped in a '94 351 for a blown '87 302. Everything is connected and it runs fine, but just to fine tune it, I want to know if anyone here knows the initial timing value. Had to swap distributors from an older style (87-91) distributor, and don't know what the initial timing is supposed to be on the new '94 engine. I know that it is on a sticker on the valve cover, as well as the airbox, but the wrecking yard I went to didn't have the rig anymore, and all the letters are too faded from the valve cover sticker. I think that it's supposed to be 10 degrees BTDC, but I don't remember for sure, and I don't want to screw the engine by over-aggressive timing. Thanks everyone for your help.
sorry, this is my first gas engine, and i've never had to time any of the diesels i worked on, so I didn't know (all kinda new to me). using the timing light and being able to see the numbers on the pulley thats moving at 600rpm was just amazing to me. another thing, will giving it a more aggresive time (15 degrees) hurt it or help it? anyways, thanks for the replies
A little more advanced than 10 can help, just advance it a degree at a time until you hear it ping, then back it off a couple degrees. You'll hear different number from most everyone you ask, so this will be the best way to determine how far you can advance the timing.
I didn't mean that like that...it was a serious question...i am actually wondering if there is ever a time when it's after TDC...I don't believe it ever does...so I asked...
You'll be even more amazed if you ever shine a timing light on a motor with a badly worn timing chain and see the timing whip back and forth at 4000 RPM....
I run my 351 at 12 degrees. I could probably run another degree or 2 with 89 or 93 octane gas, but I'm too cheap. I run my Mustang at 17 BTDC, but it has aluminum heads...
Mustang, in fact yes, there are a few engines that need their initial timing set ATDC. My dad used to have a Dodge with a 440 Wedge engine, and it's initial timing was set for 5 degrees ATDC, and I wasn't offended, i just didn't know about Ford Gas Engines.