setting initial timing...

[original72]

will be ready to start the engine up next weekend and just need to know one thing.... what degree should i set up the distributor rotor initially??? have a fluidampr so it go from 10 after to 50 before TDC.... its a 440 with a crane cam with 488 lift.... thorley headers with 1 3/4 primaries..... and a 2200 stall converter.....

Thanks
Bill

[firefighter3931]

Hi Bill, start with 16-18* at idle and have a look at the total timing....it should be 36-38* at 2500-3000 rpm.

Ron

[Chryco Psycho]

total timing is more important , leave off the vacuum hose a get 36-38 * total

[original72]

thanks for the replies guys... what i am more interested in is where to set it before even starting the engine to get a trouble free startup..... like putting the damper on a certain mark like say 20 degree mark and lining up the rotor in the distributor....

Thanks for the replies and keep them coming....
Bill

[Chryco Psycho]

setting it at around 20 & lining up th erotor should get it running , as sooon as it fires up adjust the timing to where it runs best