correct timing on a 400
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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It depends on your engine condition, altitude, available fuel, etc. Try 10° and bump it back and forth if necessary. If the EGR is not working you will get a part throttle ping which will require getting the EGR working properly or other adjustments.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2006
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well i have no smog what so ever, heck not even a pcv valve probly should get one.
it has a 750 edelbrock on it probly runnin rich. so i should get the timing down good then calibrate the carb or vice versa?
it has a 750 edelbrock on it probly runnin rich. so i should get the timing down good then calibrate the carb or vice versa?
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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Get a new PCV valve installed properly and working. Set the timing at 10°, work on the carb. A 750 is too big for a 400 unless you have it really juiced up. Work on the timing and distributor then back to the carb. You will need to do this several times. Good luck!
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Elder User
Joined: May 2006
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nah a 650 is plenty for some good mods if you decide to go that route. mine had a 750 on when i bought it and money isnt allowing a swap at this time.
so obviously if i put a 600 or slightly bigger carb my power output will be alot better as well as drivability and MPG correct? i was thinking about the new carbs that allow for higher angles of decent/acent like the edelbrock or holley truck carbs.
so obviously if i put a 600 or slightly bigger carb my power output will be alot better as well as drivability and MPG correct? i was thinking about the new carbs that allow for higher angles of decent/acent like the edelbrock or holley truck carbs.
Last edited by kilog55; Dec 24, 2006 at 09:18 AM.
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i had a 750 at one time and then a buddy came along and told me it was too big and i was wasting gas. to i down sized
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Arlington,Wa
I tried a 750 cfm Edelbrock carb. Didn't really notice much difference in mileage or SOTP performance. (seat of the pants). Drove it on a road trip about 3 yrs ago. Went prolly 300-350 miles. Some was interstate driving, some was on a two lane, and some was on the beach, so I think that would cover most driving situations. Just my .02 worth.
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I just installed HEI distributor and now my aftermarket air cleaner wont fit. if I put (rig) a 3" spacer above my carb it will clear the new distributor. Would this be bad? I also set the timing at 10 degrees BTC. At 6800 ft in elevation on an old 400 should I have it somewhere else? It is still running a little rough, I guess I need the carb adjusted. I can also pull all the old ignition stuff, the new HEI really clean ups the place.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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A 600 CFM carb is plenty big for the 400. The DS ignition is the best one available for the 400 also. It has some advantages over the GM HEI stuff.
Use an OEM style air cleaner with heat riser to eliminate carb icing. Most people think it is emissions "junk" but it is not. It is performance "junk". As far as what type of aircleaner to use since the OEM won't fit an Edelbrock etc. Use a big Mopar or GM truck unit. They have bigger air filters than Ford. Just remove the GM or Mopar air snorkels and put one or two Ford snorkels on with big snowmobile track pop rivets. Hook up the heat riser tube to the pass side snorkel and block off the driver side heat riser inlet.
There are a number of threads here on air cleaners and carb icing. Most people are totally unaware of the problem.
Use an OEM style air cleaner with heat riser to eliminate carb icing. Most people think it is emissions "junk" but it is not. It is performance "junk". As far as what type of aircleaner to use since the OEM won't fit an Edelbrock etc. Use a big Mopar or GM truck unit. They have bigger air filters than Ford. Just remove the GM or Mopar air snorkels and put one or two Ford snorkels on with big snowmobile track pop rivets. Hook up the heat riser tube to the pass side snorkel and block off the driver side heat riser inlet.
There are a number of threads here on air cleaners and carb icing. Most people are totally unaware of the problem.
Posting Legend
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Reman 400 would be low compression but it still depends on whether you have EGR or not. See post #2. With a stock distributor and no EGR you will get part throttle "EGR" ping unless the vacuum advance is adjusted. Timing does not have to be adjusted for time of year.
The PCV valve was the best thing to happen to engines since Henry Ford. Always get the PCV system hooked up properly.
The PCV valve was the best thing to happen to engines since Henry Ford. Always get the PCV system hooked up properly.
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Simply put , I read somewhere that with these low comp engines ,they like a base timing around 15-18 and total of 34 or so . To do this you have to install a stop for total . Please feedback only from someone who has done this , not thought about it . Larry
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