[40forddgc]

What should the timing be set at? Also what spark plug is recommended? Will running a cooler plug rating decrease engine temperature?

[gregb]

What cam, heads, etc? I run my 383 at 16 initial and 34 total. All combos will be different. A cooler plug rating will not reduce engine temperature.

[bubbahotep]

Mine is at 18* and 38*. There's a superchevy online article (dont now it off hand) where they got peak horse at 35* or so and cranked it to 42* on their particular 383

[automotive breath]

Originally Posted by 40forddgc

...Will running a cooler plug rating decrease engine temperature?

Running a colder heat range plug will reduce the temperature of the spark plug tip.

[40forddgc]

Originally Posted by bubbahotep

Mine is at 18* and 38*. There's a superchevy online article (dont now it off hand) where they got peak horse at 35* or so and cranked it to 42* on their particular 383

I am setting the timing at 7deg with the timing light. Are you saying it should be 18deg? What do you mean by 18deg and 38deg. I am serious.

Obviously I may not be doing it properly.

[Jmark]

I'll try to clarify it a little.

Most engines with a non-stock "hot" cam will require more INITIAL timing. Usually, 12-14 works well and will still allow it to crank when hot.

Most guys will agree that the MAX COMBINED total timing should not exceed 36-38 degrees. So, subtracting, say, 12 from 36 leaves 24 degrees. That 24 degrees will be what is added by the MECHANICAL advance. After you get it running good, you may want to begin adding more "cruise" advance a couple degrees at a time by using an adjustable vacuum advance on the dist. But for now, try the 12 (initial) plus 24 (mechanical) and see how it goes. You may be able to use more but it will depend on the cam, compression, fuel used, and a lot of other things. The biggest concern is pinging from too much advance. But 7 initial is way too low, even for an older stock engine.


Mark

[40forddgc]

Thanks Mark.

Will advancing the timing to 12 initially make it run cooler? At 7deg it runs cool down the highway.

When cruising the car shows, stop and go it heats up.

it has a fairly hot cam.

Doug

[Jmark]

Actually, running 7 degrees initial will tend to make it run hotter! You need MORE initial timing. Try 12-14, you love it! Just ck to make sure you're not going past 38 total. Use a good adjustable timing light to ck the total timing.

[40forddgc]

thanks Mark. You have been very helpful.

Regards
Doug

[Jmark]

You're welcome. Give it a try and let us know how it goes. Starting at 12 gives you room to adjust up if you need to. Starting a little modest can be helpful if your hearing is like mine! LOL Only one left here that can hear pinging is my wife. Took me some time to get mine dialed in (so I thought) until summer hit and it started rattling on a slight up hill grade here in town. Had to drop my timing back from 16 to 12 until summer is over.

[40forddgc]

Thanks Mark

I researched and found out my Mallory Unilite distributor comes with a 24deg factory setting.

Therefore if I adjust the timing at the crank between 12 and 14 it will fall into your suggestion of 36-38deg.

I will let you know how things go.

Regards
Doug

[Jmark]

Wow, that worked out great!

[bubbahotep]

Seems like you got a better answer already. Im surprised that the thing didnt stall that 7 degrees when sitting at idle.

But just to reply to what you asked me: Yes, at idle I have 18 degrees shown on my timing tape when using a timing light. Thats without revving the engine. Just sitting in traffic its at 18'.

The timing is usually based on the CAM. For most 383 strokers I think 18 - 21 initial is average. Again, based on the particular cam installed.

EDIT: Info stolen from an article on timing which I used to set my own

INITIAL TIMING : The chief function of initial timing is to provide a clean idle
and crisp throttle response. One of the best guides to determine the initial ignition timing of V8 engines can be found in the Barry Grant, Inc. catalog or at their website under the Demon Carburetor Guide. Typically, they recommend 10- to 12-degrees of initial timing when the duration of the camshaft is less than 220-degrees @ 0.050” of valve lift; 14- to 16-degrees of initial timing with a camshaft duration of less than 240-degrees @ 0.050”; and 18- to 20-degrees of initial timing when the camshaft duration is less than 260-degrees @ 0.050” of valve lift. amount of mechanical and vacuum advance as well as the rate at which it occurs.

As you can see, there's no timing below 10 on any of those cam ranges listed

[40forddgc]

Thanks. Let me really pick your brain to see what you recommend for the timing.

Keep in mind the Mallory distributor is factory set at 24deg.

Here is the cam specification. It is a Isky Mega Cam

cam lift .323
valve lift .485
duration 280
.050 duration 232
lobe center 108

based on this what is a good starting point at the crank with a timing light?

Thanks/ Doug