Straight up timing
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 143
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From: Auburn, WA
Straight up timing
For my own good, before I re-install my timing set for the 3rd time on my 400, I want to have a better understanding of what conditions establish "straight up timing" I have a gear drive that allows for "0" or 2 degrees either way. Also, what do I need to do to my vacuum advance after making the change. I only ask because I have seen posts in the past that refer to modifying it.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Set the gear drive at "0".
If you are running EGR then the distributor is OK. Otherwise you will need to back off on the vacuum advance until it quits pinging at light throttle or use the following:
1971 distributor & engine specifications for the 400:
================================================== ==
This was the GOOD year for the 400 engine before it was smogged to death.
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Distributor part #D00F-U
Centrifugal Advance Start: 0-0.5° @ 350RPM Finish: 14° @ 2275RPM
Vacuum Advance Start: 0-1° @ 5" Finish: 12.5° @ 25"
Point Dwell: 26-31°
Initial Timing: 10° BTDC, 6°BTDC California.
Vacuum given in inches of Mercury (Hg).
RPM specified as distributor RPM.
Degrees specified as distributor degrees.
---------------------------------
Double those values for crankshaft figures:
Example: 0-0.5° @ 350RPM distributor becomes 0-1° @ 700RPM on the engine.
--------------------------------
If you are running EGR then the distributor is OK. Otherwise you will need to back off on the vacuum advance until it quits pinging at light throttle or use the following:
1971 distributor & engine specifications for the 400:
================================================== ==
This was the GOOD year for the 400 engine before it was smogged to death.
-------------------------------
Distributor part #D00F-U
Centrifugal Advance Start: 0-0.5° @ 350RPM Finish: 14° @ 2275RPM
Vacuum Advance Start: 0-1° @ 5" Finish: 12.5° @ 25"
Point Dwell: 26-31°
Initial Timing: 10° BTDC, 6°BTDC California.
Vacuum given in inches of Mercury (Hg).
RPM specified as distributor RPM.
Degrees specified as distributor degrees.
---------------------------------
Double those values for crankshaft figures:
Example: 0-0.5° @ 350RPM distributor becomes 0-1° @ 700RPM on the engine.
--------------------------------
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 143
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From: Auburn, WA
Cool, thank you! Also, the stock manifold came with a plate over the EGR so I replaced it with a non-EGR Edelbrock and I also think the advance mechanism on the distributor (I removed) was not even hooked up internally. I replaced the distributor and it is intact. I have not heard any pinging yet. Then again, I have not run the thing far enough to probably hear anything. As usual, thank you for your knowledge Torque.
Last edited by rchewitt50; May 30, 2006 at 06:11 PM. Reason: missing words
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 143
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From: Auburn, WA
It is still connected inside the bell of the dizzy and the other end of the arm is disconnected. I really could use a little schooling in this department. I just assembled the gear drive and am ready to figure out the vacuum advance issues. The motor was running fine with no EGR prior, I just do not know why.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,003
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From: chicago burbs
the arm from the vac adv is what secures the advance plate, without the arm connected the advance plate will be free to move around. that's what your timing will be doing too, unless the plate has been pinned in place?
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
You will get better part throttle performance and much better mileage with a functional vacuum advance.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 143
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From: Auburn, WA
Okay, so I can reconnect that easy enough. With this motor having no EGR or any other pollution controls what is it that needs to be done to the advance while it is connected? Also, just an observation, if the arm is not connected to the plate, wouldnt that just keep the timing in a retarded position? It is spring loaded and should not just move unless the arm is connected (I am only guessing) I appreciate all your feedback grclark351 as always. I know you have talked about EGR ping timing before.
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