How do I properly set the timing on '73 mild 440?

[TXCUDA]

I have taken it to 2 different shops and the first one bumped it up to an idle of 1,000 RPM and the last one dropped it back down to 500 rpm at idle. Now after driving 30 mins I come to a light and it drops to 500rpm and feels like it might die- that feeling like it might be bad gas, and doesnt die, but seems it could at any second.

So my question is- how do I properly set the timing on this? Thank you in advance for any input.

[rampage_82]

Well, I can't tell you anything as far as the timing is concerned, but idling at 500 rpms isn't good regardless of timing... you need more rpms than that on the sole fact of keeping your cam/lifters lubricated...

[cudabob496]

I have my 496 Cuda idling at around 1200 rpm when stopped and in gear.
500 seems rediculously low. Your water pump and alternator would be almost useless at that rpm.

[rampage_82]

Man come to think of it, I don't know that I've ever had a motor that would idle at 500 rpm even in neutral, much less in gear...

[cudabob496]

In a nut shell, get car warmed up and idling around 1000 rpm. Disconnect vacuum advance. To make sure you are in the ballpark, set timing at 10 degrees BTDC by loosening distributor clamp, and slowly twisting distributor. Then, take engine up to 3000 rpm, and adjust timing to about 35 to 36 BTDC. Tighten distributor clamp. Reconnect vacuum advance. When crusing, vacuum advance will take your timing advance up about an additional 20 degrees BTDC, for a total of about 55 degrees BTDC.

[JVMopar]

Your idle should be set to 700 rpm idling in gear. And a have a fast idle of 1500-1700 rpm.

[TXCUDA]

thanks everyone- too bad you guys are so far away or id gladly buy you a case of beer to help me do this lol.

[cudabob496]

Originally Posted by JVMopar

Your idle should be set to 700 rpm idling in gear. And a have a fast idle of 1500-1700 rpm.

700 for a stock cam, maybe, but if you get a long duration cam in there, you may need to go higher? Also, at 700, a mopar alternator is not too efficient, and your cooling is marginal, especially if you have gone to a slightly smaller main crank pulley for performance.

[Rich Kinsley]

Unless your cam needs it you are better to keep the idle lower. Too fast an idle causes dieseling when you shut it off for one thing.

[cudabob496]

Originally Posted by Rich Kinsley

Unless your cam needs it you are better to keep the idle lower. Too fast an idle causes dieseling when you shut it off for one thing.

What if your alternator or water pump need it?
I think dieseling is caused by other problems, like timing, carb richness, etc.

[Cudadrag]

I too agree 500 is too low. 700 at full temp in gear is he goal. If cam is higher than stock you will need more Rs. My 451 with solid lift cam loves 1000. My stock 440 (375 horse) was 1000 in park 700+ in gear.

[Green73cuda440]

Originally Posted by cudabob496

What if your alternator or water pump need it?
I think dieseling is caused by other problems, like timing, carb richness, etc.

How would you fix carb richness? Wouldnt you just turn down your fuel to air raito?

[Skwerly]

also remember, the timing is not the way to set your idle. set the timing, with a gun, and then adjust your idle accordingly. i had to 'ear time' my fury because the chain had jumped a tooth at some point, and if you put the car where the factory said to it would literally die and if it didn't, it felt like it had about 75 horsepower - that's kind of a rare case though.