Can someone tell wher to set the timing on a GM 350, 330 HO crate engine. If this was off a little would it cause the engine to run hotter? We intially set it at the 10 degrees like it stated in the GM manual that came with the engine. Thanks for any help.

Clint

what plugs are you running? I put the wrong ones in my 350 crate and the dang thing ran hotter than hades...started boiling the gas in the carb. I had a fire extinguisher with pin pulled and ready to push the button.

i run 12 in mine 32 total runs fine.

Make sure the vacuum advance is connected. I has the same issue with my 350, running 15 degree at the distributor, 21 degrees mechanical advance for TTL 36.
Not sure why, but the engine likes the vacuum advance on it…

Either run a normally open heater core or a bypass between the water pump and intake manifold.

Above is correct since there arent any heat crossover passages in the intake manifold. I have a heater core and it runs fine. Benn in there for 8years now.

Either run a normally open heater core or a bypass between the water pump and intake manifold.


Don - Dave,

I'm running a Vintage Air system which uses a solenoid on the heater hose that is closed until the heat is switched on. Do you think this is contributing to the problem?

Clint

Yes, not having enough advance timing can contribute to overheat conditions. If you search "intial timing" here there are many, many threads.

This one seemed to have some good advice: http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=176971&highlight=initial+advance

When i bought my engine the dealer told me it needed either a bypass hose or the heater core hooked up. They said if i could feel the heater hose pulsing it was a problem. Id try bypassing the heater hose solenoid to see if it helps.