The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Tune-up Specs for 1977 292cu 6 cyl

Who would think this was so hard to find. I have all my books for my 1965 Chevy, but the engine is a 1977 292 that came from the dealer (Mr Goodwrench).

Does anyone know the timing specs for a 1977 292 6 cyl?

Stock is generally 4-6 degrees. I see you're swapping in an HEI.
Bump your timing up to 12 degrees.

Thanks Gotgasd...

When you say 4-6 degrees, I think you are referring to a 1965's 292. Since this is a 1977 292 engine that came with a HEI stock (at least that is what the auto parts store says), I would think the timing would be different. They wouldn't make the timing as 12 degrees off TDC (which I think is also off the timing mark gauge on the engine). I would think they would adjust the mark on the balancer of the 1977 engine vs. the mark on a 1965 292 engine.

I was hoping to find someone who had a 1977 truck manual since the 292 only came in a truck. I have a Chilton manual, but it only refers to cars. My next problem is, I do not think I have the right harmonic balancer on the engine.

Thanks again for the information.

I looked in my old 1976 motor manual. Said anywhere from 4 to 6 degrees depending on how truck was equipped. The 12 degrees is where I set mine at. Only a suggestion.
I did a google search found 8* for a 77 292. Can't find it know.
Easy to prove the timing marks on your motor. Bring #1 up on compression stroke and see where your timing mark is. Adjust initial timing from there.
What makes you think you have the wrong balancer?

That is a 8.0 to 1 compression engine so you can get away with a lot of timing, but 4 to 6 is a good place to start. HEI or points shouldn't matter on timing setting, both will fire the plug.

Just because its a '77 block and head, doesn't mean much. All the 250/292's used the same heads and had the same compression through the years, so the only real difference was the carburetors and how they were calibrated for each year of truck. The newer engines like yours would have more smog equipment installed and most likely a leaner burning fuel system, but the basic engine was the same as a '60s model.
Just set everything as a '65 and it will run just fine.

If there is any doubt about the balancer and markings, just set the timing where is runs the best, still starts, and doesn't ping under a load. Or if you are really concerned about it, get a solid stop and put it in #1 plug hole. Slowly turn the engine by hand till you hit the stop and mark the balancer. Then turn the engine the other direction till it hits again and mark that spot. Split the two marks and you have top dead center.

Joe

Thanks again for verifying the information. I didn't realize you had a manual.

The reason I think it is the wrong balancer is because I cannot see the timing mark when I try to time her. Add the fact the truck is hard to start and the story that the original owner replaced the 230 engine with a GM engine bought over the counter at his local dealer back in 77. I do not think the 77 engine came with the balancer, so I fear he used the one from the 230 engine. I have another post asking a few questions to confirm this.

I think I can still get the 1977 balancer from the auto parts store for around $90. It is different than the one that is on there now. It might be a good piece of mind to change it.

Thanks Joe...

I think I will get the right balancer in place and then verify the timing just to be sure.