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#66922 10/08/2006 3:18 AM | Joined: Jan 1970 Posts: 365 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 1970 Posts: 365 | Does anyone know how much initial advance setting the timing to the ball on the flywheel yields?
When I got my 261 running I was very careful to set the timing exactly 'on the ball'. I also went to great pains to tighten the distributor down exactly in the center of the 'octane scale'.
My 51 Chevy 1/2 ton with 89mm (.70) overdrive and 3.50 rear gears gets about 14 mpg on the highway. I have about 1000 miles on a complete overhaul (.030 overbore, split exhaust, single Carter YF, 848 head).
Today just for giggles I advanced the timing to the last of the marks on the advance side of the scale. It seems like the throttle is more responsive and I don't have to push the gas pedal as far to maintain road speed. I can't get this engine to ping so I don't feel the timing is too far advanced. I will be getting a vaccuum gauge on the engine (as soon as I find it) to verify the timing settings.
The flywheel I am using came from a 235 truck engine if that makes a difference. | | |
#66923 10/08/2006 4:29 AM | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,029 Member | | Member Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,029 | You probably won't get it to ping, the first indication of over advance would be the engine kicking back against the starter in that case. Today's fuels need a lot more advance than is noted in the manuals for best performance. | | |
#66924 10/08/2006 6:25 AM | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | Racecarl,
I don't know how much initial advance the mark yields. In this case one would have to rely on performance rather than a "number".
I think if you advance your timing enough you will get preignition or ping.
There are two indicator of excessive advance..increased operating temperature and/or pinging.
You should be able to use one, or both to set your timing to the safest maximum setting for best engine performance.
Stuart | | |
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