timing on a 72 318 ???

[JGWoodman]

anybody got the timing for a 72 Dart w 318/auto combo? I brought a Hanes manaule but all they say is CHECK THE STICKER. I wouldn't need the book if it had a sticker. Anyways, would appericate the info.
Thanks in advance...

[amxauto-x]

As I remember it was 4 degrees after tdc. I know that sounds wrong but that is what comes to mind. Maybe it was btdc. Trying to remember THAT from '72 is a long shot!

[72Challenger]

The reason the book says to check the sticker is because with the smog laws, it could be different from state to state, and in those days things were changing so fast the books couldn't keep up. And amxauto-x is probably right, there were several cars in those days that suggested ATDC inital timing.

But one thing is certain. Whatever the sticker or the book says, IT"S WRONG!! That's because your '72 is now smog exempt in CA, so you can tune it for how it runs best, not for the tailpipe sniffer. So start with about 10 degrees BTDC and see how it runs & if it pings under full throttle. Advance a couple degrees more and try again. Back it off when it pings, or stop around 14-16 degrees initial. Now you'll need to probably restrict the travel of the manual advance plate at full advance to not go over 36 total.

Ignition tuning is like carb tuning, you've got to get it right for your vehicle, not what some book says. But 10 BTDC is a good starting point.

[JGWoodman]

Thanks, thats good for a starter.

[SB Racer]

One thing to consider is to check the TOTAL timing since thats what the engine sees in real life. You may be correct on 10 degrees at idle, but what happens when you raise the rpm?
Does your distributor springs match your application, is your vacuum module working correct...