Notices
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

Timing....

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 13, 2009 | 01:43 PM
  #1  
SeattleWills's Avatar
SeattleWills
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
Timing....

Ok first off this is my first go at setting my own timing. I have recently rebuilt my Carb 1405 600cfm Edelbrock, I have also installed MSD, Distrabutor, Coil, Wires, and 6A ignition control. I have set my timing to 8 BTDC, Truck is running good but not perfect. At low rpms it is sluggish and lags if I put it to the floor, on the highway it runs awesome. I am looking for any direction to go... should I bring it back to zero 1 degree at a time and test drive the truck each time? I am lost as to do next. Thanks!
 
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2009 | 01:54 PM
  #2  
montana_highboy's Avatar
montana_highboy
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
Is your vacuum advance connected? is it working?
 
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2009 | 04:09 PM
  #3  
SeattleWills's Avatar
SeattleWills
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
Yes, I have checked that, I did put a new vacuum line from it to the carb. The new MSD Distrabutor has the light springs in it, I do have some medium and heavy ones. Do thing changing them to a stronger set would help? Is my time pretty good at 8 btdc? I was going to bring it down to 6 btdc.... again I am new to this and only have the information from books and other people. I am learning as I make changes and find out they didnt work. I just dont want to damage my engine it is strong and I love it! Again thanks again for any help.
 
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2009 | 04:28 PM
  #4  
montana_highboy's Avatar
montana_highboy
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
Did you connect the vacuum advance to the ported or manifold side of the carb? ported (passenger side) manifold (drivers side)

If you're running 2 light springs you may be bringing in all your timing too quickly, this will take some expirmentation on your part using the light, medium and heavy springs, is your vacuum canister the adjustable type?

8 btdc is pretty close to where you want to be, i run 12 degrees initial on my 390 but i'm only running 26 degrees mechanical, total 38 all in by 2,600 rpms, how much mechanical advance are you running?
 
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2009 | 07:27 PM
  #5  
duste's Avatar
duste
Laughing Gas
20 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 868
Likes: 3
From: New Glasgow, Nova Scotia
Is your 8 degrees timming set with the vacuum hose on?? If so remove and cap the vacumm hose, reset the timming to 8/10 degrees and put the hose back on. This will make a big difference.
 
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2009 | 07:43 PM
  #6  
427 fordman's Avatar
427 fordman
Hotshot
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,410
Likes: 77
From: Plankinton, SD
I can't remember which springs are which for the msd but I run that dist. in all 3 race cars. My sisters car I have set up so the timing is at full advance (36*) at 1000 rpms. It's a stock 351w with a 4 barrel and headers, 8:1 stock dished pistons with 100000 miles on them and a 3300 lb car. Pulls the front wheel off the starting line with a c4 tranny and small convertor. Better have a good starter if doing this because of all the advance at start.
 
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2009 | 08:15 PM
  #7  
SeattleWills's Avatar
SeattleWills
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
I did the timing with the vacuum plugged. It is also plugged into the passenger side of the Carb. I will try stiffer springs also. Thanks for the replies guys. Sounds like I will have to do some experimenting to get it the sweet spot. I dont have a tach yet, that will help. I can plug it directly into the ignition controller.

Thanks
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:01 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE