i just bought a 3 key timing set and was wondering what would be better, to set it at 0 or advance it 4 degrees?

 

depends on cam, motor and usage, but most likey 4 degrees advance would be ok,moves peak tq and power arond 400 to 500 rpm lower and lowers peak horsepower.

 

well its all stock except for the edelprock performer intake manifold, im trying to wake this thing up a little its kind of a turd.

 

If it's a low-compression truck motor, you might wake it, but it will still be drowsy...

FE's usually get enough in, it's the out that's the problem. Got headers?

And the usual question--are you sure it's a 390? Check that stroke.

Good luck with it. There is a monster inside there, you may just need a little more fiddling.

 

no headers, does it make that big of a difference? i cant say for certain its a 390 i know it came with a 360 but the guy i bought it from said a rebuilt 390 was put in a few years back.

 

Headers make a big difference in power output. Any FE performance build requires them.

If you really just want a low-rev puller, they aren't that critical, but you should do the dual exhaust, crossover pipe etc or equivalent larger pipe to eliminate as much restriction in the exhaust as possible.

 

As sure as the sun will rise tomorrow all 360's magically become 390's on sales day, you have to measure the stroke.

 

it already has a dual exhaust on it but each side is isolated, does the h-pipe make that much difference? ill measure the stroke best i can through one of the plug holes today.

 

Hey! Mine started out life as a lowly 360, but it has magically become a 390 and it ain't for sale!

Crossover pipes are highly recommended.