Need timing number
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New User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1
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Need timing number
Hey guys, I am trying to set the timing on my 1977 F150 with a stock 302, 2 bbl carb and automatic transmission but the setting numbers on the sticker on the valve cover are obliterated. Any idea what these settings should be?
Many thanks in advance.
Many thanks in advance.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 8,238
Likes: 3
From: Oregon
Need timing number
Just so you know that 6 btdc, although accurate, is basically an emissions setting. That 302 would probably be happier with twice that. Many people never tinker with their advance and never relize the power gains just waiting to be let out. My 428 should be set at 6 btdc by the book too, but I have it at 14 btdc which it loves. Most folk seem to happy between 10 and 14 btdc. Just an fyi.
If your knuckles ain't bleeding you did something wrong.
'72 F-250 "Hi-Boy" 4x4, Dana 60/HD44, FE428 @ 400+ ponies , 4-speed, custom suspension w lift, mud on black.
If your knuckles ain't bleeding you did something wrong.
'72 F-250 "Hi-Boy" 4x4, Dana 60/HD44, FE428 @ 400+ ponies , 4-speed, custom suspension w lift, mud on black.
New User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: 99118 26th st NW
Need timing number
Actually, I have been tinkering with the timing and have noticed that at 10 or 12ish it tends to run better.
So, theoretically, when I take this in for emissions testing I should set it to 6B but when I get back home I can set it to some other number. Theoretically, of course.
So, theoretically, when I take this in for emissions testing I should set it to 6B but when I get back home I can set it to some other number. Theoretically, of course.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 8,238
Likes: 3
From: Oregon
Need timing number
Well, sure, that would be a piece of cake...it would just take a timing light and a twist of the distributer. I'm really not sure how the retarded timing affects emissions, or if in part they did that to absolutly ensure there would be no detonation no matter how the engine was run or how poor the gas. I'd just take it in as is and if it doesn't pass then set it back. I'm not surprised it runs better with the 10 to 12 degrees initial, most do. You should also see more power.
If your knuckles ain't bleeding you did something wrong.
'72 F-250 "Hi-Boy" 4x4, Dana 60/HD44, FE428 @ 400+ ponies , 4-speed, custom suspension w lift, mud on black.
If your knuckles ain't bleeding you did something wrong.
'72 F-250 "Hi-Boy" 4x4, Dana 60/HD44, FE428 @ 400+ ponies , 4-speed, custom suspension w lift, mud on black.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 8
From: Brea CA
Need timing number
Bing, I don’t know where you live but here in CA they check the timing too. You still fail if you pass the emissions with the timing off. I found this out the hard way and had to pay for a retest, what a racket!
Barry
Barry
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 8,238
Likes: 3
From: Oregon
Need timing number
They really stick it to you Californians, don't they? In Oregon, if you fail you pay nothing for the test. Of course, we don't even have to be tested in most areas, and where they do they don't check the timing. I guess thats why all you bastiches are moving up here and making life hell for us natives 
If your knuckles ain't bleeding you did something wrong.
'72 F-250 "Hi-Boy" 4x4, Dana 60/HD44, FE428 @ 400+ ponies , 4-speed, custom suspension w lift, mud on black.
If your knuckles ain't bleeding you did something wrong.
'72 F-250 "Hi-Boy" 4x4, Dana 60/HD44, FE428 @ 400+ ponies , 4-speed, custom suspension w lift, mud on black.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,999
Likes: 2,746
From: Virginia
Need timing number
I read in a factory manual that they retard the timing which makes you have to open the butterflies on the carb more to get the correct idle. This lets more air in the mix which equals leaner mixture. This is also why alot of these vehicles had the solenoid on the throttle. Having the butterflies open more gives it a tendency to "run on" when you shut the engine off. The solenoid drops back when you turn the key off thus shutting the butterflies all the way.