i have a high performance 351 cid motor with a big cam, I'm not sure the best way to set the timing?

Question

I do not have the specs of the cam

Answer 1

The "old school" way is probably best way under the circumstance you describe. Run the engine to operating temperature. Disconnect the advance (whether it's the vacuum hose to the distributor, or the "SPOUT" connector etc.), rev the engine through it peak operating ranges while SLOWLY advancing the ignition timing just until it starts to ping, and then stop there. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Answer 2

Stay away from the old school tune it by ear method.... Set the
Engine for Total Advance @ 3000 RPM @ 36 to 40 degrees of
advance....the more advance gives a better top end performance
and the lower advance will give better bottom end/holeshot type
performance....by no means go over 44 degrees of advance cause you are gonna start burning stuff up....good luck

Answer 3

id have to agree with the last post. tuning by ear died with breaker points.
"big" cams (at least he didnt say three quarter race) tend to need a lot of initial advance. thats why you should never pay attention to initial advance with anything other than a factory cam.
tune for maximum AVERAGE power. more is not better.
find an engine buildup article with your EXACT same heads. see where they found the most AVERAGE power on the dyno. yes max advance in by a given RPM (dictated by your distributor) is the best way.
if you cant find an article with your heads in it, consult a ford motorsports manual.

Answer 4

well to start with,, is it a 351 Cleveland or a 351 windsor, ?