Finally getting around to timing my engine. What are you guys using for timing on your 396 ? Just curious. I started out 12 initial, 34 total.
396 timing
DT
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I do it the old fashion way and power tune it by ear. Bring it up to about 3500 move the distributor till you hit the sweet spot and then back off just a little. The car runs great and starts easy . If it turns over slow retard it some, works every time for me
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Back then we could get away with timing by ear, that was when gas was good quality and better octane. Detonation will destroy an engine. Big blocks like timing, you can get away with 36-38 total but will have to listen for detonation and check plugs for metal specks. What is the compression ratio? Cast heads or aluminum?
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What are the specs. on your camshaft. Did you measure the quench and what is the thickness of your head gaskets. What distributor are you using? Finally are you running a 4 speed or automatic transmission?
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Drat! I was hoping to help out. Oh well. But wait! Here's how the factory said to do it on mine.
![Image]()
No vacuum advance.
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You realize you will catch some grief for no vacuum advance... I run mine locked at 36 and pull timing back under boost(my ignition turns back timing when starting). A proper vac advance really is best but without one you will need to run as much initial as you can and max out at 36. If you can run a really small amount of mechanical advance that would be best. You can run it locked like me but having a start retard will be your starters friend. Or an ignition kill switch, let it spin without spark and then let go of the kill.
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After all of these years I finally find the right instructions ! :hurray:Drat! I was hoping to help out. Oh well. But wait! Here's how the factory said to do it on mine.
![Image]()
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Did you see the 4° in red at the bottom? That's initial. There is not a missing digit in front of it.:noway: Can you imagine timing a BBC with 4° initial?
Yes I know regarding the vacuum advance. My DUI has 22* in by 3,000. I think I will set my initial at 14* then. I'm currently at 12 initial 34 total.
Thx
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Run the initial at 16* and with the 22* mechanical, will give you 38 total. I have a M. roller camshaft with 256/266 duration. I set the initial at 20* and the mechanical at 18* for a total of 38* on a 496 ci. I have a GM high torque mini starter that has been on the car since 1997. I haven't had any problems starter drag. If you have any problem with your starter decrease the initial by 2* at a time until it stops. But you have to keep a total around 38*. Burn some tires off!
I suggest to go along with what Doug says with the higher total... But keep the initial +cent+ VA total degrees under 42 unless have a knock sensor....last thing u want is in audible knock under cruise...
To find u best total (intial+cent).. power under WoT...start high around the 36/ 38 make 3 timed runs over a given distance.... preferably up a hill...
then drop the total back 2 degrees until u get a sudden increase in time... then up 2 degs
To find u best total (intial+cent).. power under WoT...start high around the 36/ 38 make 3 timed runs over a given distance.... preferably up a hill...
then drop the total back 2 degrees until u get a sudden increase in time... then up 2 degs
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