The timing setting according to the manual for my 1968 Camaro with a 396 big block is 4 degrees before TDC with the vacuum disconnected; however, it runs very poorly. So, I have bumped it up to 12 degrees before TDC and its running smoother. The question is: any other thoughts on what I've done or what I should do? And...the vacuum is connected to the 750 Holley carb - should it be connected to the intake manifold?

Thanks in advance...Jamie M

 

is it all original or has it been worked on before?? What I mean is has the distributor been removed before, timing cover changed or anything like that. 12 seems kinda high

 

No, it is not all original. The distributer was switched out before I got the car for an electronic distributer...an early 70's model I believe...and I can only assume the timing cover was at the very least removed. I've measured TDC and the crank and the piston are correct - I have to check valve timing next, but don't know the timing on it either.

Gotta love these old cars...