I just installed this engine http://www.jegs.com/i/GM+Performance...353K2/10002/-1 with a jegs hei distributor but I am having trouble getting the right timing. Unfortunately I dont know at what degree to set the timing. right now it is at 6 and running pretty crappy. anyone else have an idea?

 

i would start at 8 degrees and work my way up,but a mild motor like that shouldnt need more than that,i think i'm no expert at all just a shade tree mechanic

 

That is just a stock replacement. 6-8 should be fine for you. If its running crappy you may have some other issue.

 

I had to increase the timing just to keep it running, it was backfiring thru the carb and dying. I am going to try replacing all of the plugs and wires to see if it improves. I had the accel "do it yourself wires" and I didnt have crimpers just a pair of pliers. Stupid I know. thanks for the help. also one more question. My distributor has vacuum advance on it and I have it hooked into the carb on the recommended vaccum line. But I have heard others say not to listen to that and it works better if it is running off of manifold vaccum. does anyone know if this is tru and if I should switch it?

 

You may have your carbs RPM too high and its throwing off your timing. They both need some tweaks at the same time to find its happy place.
The vacuum advance should be hooked to the carb down by the butterflys but above them so it does not get manifold vacuum. There should be a provision on the carb for that.
Also double and triple checjk if you have to and make sure you have you fire order correct.

 

I finally got it all sorted out, or so it seems for now. just wanted to thank everyone for there help.

 

That is what we are here for. And to pick on ScottD