hi the first owner of my car had installed a new chevy 350 block he had kept the original heads but installed roller rockers and new springs etc. i do not know what kind of block is in the car, what horsepower it is, i dont even know if there is a performance cam i am the third owner the second owner had told me there was a new block etc. but he has no paperwork to provide me with the specs.
finally my question.....
is it possible to correctly set the timing without knowing any of the specs of the engine?
can i read you guys off some numbers to try and help me solve this engine?
thanks for your time
steven

are you talking about ignition timing or valve timing??

Unfortunately in todays world there is no guarantee what aftermarket parts are in it, if any. The block numbers can be looked up to see possibly what you have. Head #s also. Ill try to help if you post them.

I agree with we need to know what timing are you asking about?

Just currious what are your primary intentions with this car is it for crusing or racing type deal?

sorry guys its ignition timing and for regular cruising

you dont need to know what engine you have to do ignition timing. All you need to do is set up your timing light, start her up, and check factory specs on timing if its a cruiser. I would try to go 6 degrees advance to start. If you would like i could go into detail on how to do ignition timing for you good luck

Steven -

You would need to know about the cam. Most folks don't put roller rockers on a stock grind, so I suspect you have a fairly healthy cam. I know you have been chasing a variety of issues, most of which I suspect are timing related (hence this question, right?? )

There is some really good info for modified engines on our sister site, Team Chevelle. Check this out and see if you can find something to get that thing sorted out and running right.

http://www.chevelles.com/archive/files/tottime.html

I looked back through all your posts, and I don't see what distributor you have. Be helpful to know that to figure out which elements of timing (static, mechanical advance, and vacuum advance) you're going to be working with, and if it is a stock or aftermarket distributor, we may be able to point you to what you'll need to recurve it, if that's needed.

it is an HEI distributor w/ vacuum advance

i dont know what manufacturer it is made by
thanks for everyones replies!!!!!!

Set the timing at 10 degrees initial at 600 RPM with the vacuum advance disconnected. Hook up the vacuum advance to a ported source not manifold.

That should be a good starting place. Adjust as needed from there.

Good Luck