Setting Timing??

[DITCHPICKLE]

This weekend I'm going to hopefuly install my new Mopar electronic ignition kit. I'm pretty sure i can get all teh wiring, but I'M second guesing myself about setting teh timing. I was hoping of of the many gear-heads on here could do a little run-through to help me?
Thanks a Lot!
Steve

[Ausydad]

What i'll normally do is to bring the timing marks to TDC and remove the dist cap to make sure the rotor is pointing towards the #1 (front left cylinder) plug wire. Replace the cap and remove the plug from the #1. Place the plug back in the end of the wire and lay on the fenderwell so it grounds, but also so you can see the electrode. Turn the key on and move the dist SLOWLY until the plug sparks. This should be real close to TDC #1. Tighten down the dist and replace the plug into the cylinder with it's lead. The car should start, but idle rough at this point. From there, you can advance to taste (usually around 10btdc) with the vaccuum line plugged from the dist and using your light. Hope that helps you in getting your timing where you want it for the initial. You'll probably re-adjust with the light or other in a couple of days after you find where your ride likes to run.

[Hittman55]

Hey
never thought of finding TDC that way, I always just take out the plug and have your buddy bump it over untill you hear the pressure coming from around ypu finger, then check your marks on the timing pointer to the balancer adjust it to 0 degress this would be TDC top dead center. look at your rotor button and line it up to the pointing plug tower, tighten it down so that you still can move it by hand. Put the wire to the plugs correctly, then get it running. Next with the SPARK ADVANCE unhooked adjust your timing with a timing light. Thing is you want about 30 deg total advance on a street car + or- a few all advanced at about 2400 rpm's. There are many variables to walk you through it step by step, just remeber that diff dist have diff vacum advance built in most are non adjustable but the MP Performance peices should be adjustable. Most will tell you that setting the timing with the vacum advance hooked up will give you a false reading. Also set your first time setting not at idle but several hundred rpms above idle. with the advance hooked up this could give you a false reading. Make sure it starts good hot, and you here no pinging when lugging up a hill. If so back it off till it quits. should never adjust more than a few deg at a time. and remeber moving the distributor a 1/8 inch means more than you think! Hope i could help

[5thAve]

Everytime I have the distributor out I just remember which way the rotor is pointing and yank it. Then later I put it back in with the distributor set somewhat were it was before, start it and roughly set the timing. On the 360 with the MP I have to have it set at 5 or else it pings. With a stock distributor it was set at ~12 or more. Make sure you set it with the vacuum disconnected, and then make sure the vacuum goes to a ported source and not off the intake.

The MP book says to set the initial timing with the engine revving around 2600rpm I believe and at this point the timing should be ~32. It then says with vacuum connected it should be at 52, and to adjust the canisted until this is accomplished.

[66Dart_GT]

52 degrees?????????????????????????????????????

[5thAve]

52 degrees... work it out- you set it about 30-32 at 2,600 with vacuum disconnected, and the canister can add in upto double what the arm is stamped (usually 8.5 or 11). 32+8.5 or 11 is 40.5 or 43. If the allen screw has been messed with can be 32+17 or 22, which gives you 49 or 54.