350 engine timing issues?

Question

I set the timing around 10 degrees btdc at about 2,000 rpm. Engine sounds real nice, replaced head gaskets and camshaft to a stock cam. It sounds real smooth, no ticking or anything and even when given gas. I tried to set idle around 700 but it's as if it wants to die out if I go under 1,000rpm.

I checked the timing at 1,000 rpm or lower and its at about right on tdc 0.

How can I set the timing so that it doesn't pop, hesitate or anything? I want a clean, smooth idle, like stock.


Also, it seems as if cylinder # 8 gets the hottest, why is that? I felt all the headers,(after market long tube) and they all feel about the same temperature expect for #8 which seems real hot. Water temp is about 190.

Engine is a 1970 350 bored .030 over in an 86 camaro

Carb is an Edelbrock 1406 (600cfm) with an aftermarket intake.

Answer 1

timing needs to be set at idle rpm with the vacuum advance line disconnected and plugged. your timing is way retarded, and that will cause all kinds of problems, including overheating. also if you have an automatic, the idle speed should be with the engine in drive, along with the ignition timing. idle speed should be around 750, initial timing setting should be about 6 degrees stock, i like 10-14 initial though for better performance and mileage.

as for the #8 cylinder getting the hottest, remember that it is at the back of the cooling system, and is usually the leanest in fuel mixture as well

Answer 2

re adjust your timing at the 1000 RPM range and then drop your idle down to 700 RPM and see if it still wants to die out. Also when you where setting the timing did you have the vacuum advance tube removed from the distributor? when you set your timing you have to have the vacuum advance disabled. that throws everything off. I'm assuming your running HEI and not points so I will not bother asking what the Dwell is set to. the distributor that you have installed in the engine, was it new or the old distributor? the #8 could be burning hot simply do to a lean mix coming in to the chamber. richen up the carb for that size just a bit and see if #8 cools down. Let me know if your still having problems.

Answer 3

Hmmm if i remember the chevy timing should be 4 btc at idle @ 650rpm. When you increase the rpm above idle the mechanical advance does its job and the reading is not accurate. Also the vaccuum advance comes into play with the loss of vaccuum and further advances the timing. Remember the dwell on the points for this year is 30 degrees at idle and dwell variation is 2 degrees max or you have a distributor malfunction also. All must be correct for the right spark curve.

Answer 4

Other answers for timing are pretty much right on but you didn't mention what carb setup you're running which may be part of the idle problem---if it's stock for an 86 Camaro, you'll need to adjust it and change parts to compensate for the modified engine---if it's a add-on like Holley, you'll need to check your manifold vacuum for your primary power valve setting, change jets and maybe accelerator pump and squirters.
Need more info.