i need some help setting my timing. i did my cam break in last night, and set the timing at 34 btdc at 2000 rpms, and thats with the vacuum hooked up. then i read that it should be around 45 or so at 3000 rpms. i did this and the headers got pretty red hot. so what is the process with my 80 camaro with accel super hei dizzy! please i am pulling my hair out

 

I would set it with the vacuum unhooked for starters.... I would probably set it somewhere between 27 and 32 at 3500 rpm. I would run the vacuum to a ported signial circuit and let your advance come in a idle and then your max advance will be the same under a load.... You need to see what makes you engine happy so to speak too....

 

i have no idea what a vacuum ported circuit is. so get the car at 3000 pms with vacuum PLUGGED and aet the timing at 34-37?

 

I agree with vacuum plugged and 32-37 depending on what your car likes. My car likes the higher timing and I only run supper.

I think by ported circuit he means the proper vacuum port on the carburetor. Just because I have never heard of such a thing either.

45 seems absolutely insane for a SBC.

 

I personally would set it at idle like the book calls for. Set it to 4 degrees BTDC at idle. Should be good to go. Also use the metered vacuum port on your carb as Bad Z28 mentioned. If it's a Holley it's on the metering block, and if it's an Eddy it's above the base plate on the left front.

 

i will try that. my dizzy vacuum goes direct into my holley 600. another website says my headers are glowing because its retarded and i need to advance to about 48-50 degrees with vacuum hooked up. is this the same as 34 with vacuum plugged?

 

anyone else can chime in

 

check out youtube, all sorts of good stuff over there. and maybe do a search in V8 Tech, i seen some videos in there somewhere?

 

Timing can cause your headers to glow red hot, but so can the valve adjustment. If the adj. is too tight and the valves aren't fully closing they will allow combusted gases to enter the exhaust too early, and ignite in there instead of just the cylinder.
But I'm still leaning towards timing. On that subject again, is your cam stock?

 

I don't want to confuse you more, but read this....twice if you have to: http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/dist...1-a-59033.html