Initial and total advance for stock 1968 383?

[rodneyramjet]

Any advice to initial and total timing parameters for my stock 68' 2 barrel 383?

I installed the Pertronix Ignitor and I either didn't put the distributor back in the same orientation or I did get that right but the new ignition components changed what the car wants to see.

By buddy dialed the car in when we got it started a month or two ago and offered to do it again but I feel like I am kinda imposing and am not sure when he will have time to stop by.

I did get the car started and drove it around the block but it idles different now (lower) and seems less sure footed.

Is there a tutorial that I could access that would walk me through the timing and Carter 2-BBD carb adjustment???

I have this old school stuff that my stepdad left me that I haven't used yet.  I know he walked me through how to do a tune up but it's been about 44 years since.....

[Bronzedodge]

Well, it's hard to tell without actual data, but it sounds like the timing is a bit retarded.  Ball park would be 12 deg initial and about 34 degrees total.  Or advance it till it pings and back it off about 4 deg from there. 

[rodneyramjet]

Thanks Bronzedodge.  The numbers you provided are a good start.

You can tell I'm a rookie...I forgot to even look in my newly acquired service manual before asking the question here.  That did help but I've got a long way to go.  I did find out that the old timing light does not work and also stumbled on this old training thing from Chrysler related to carb tuning.  Talk about nostalgic!



//www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9WxF2RZp8c

[Bronzedodge]

I shouldn't post when I'm tired.  My suggestions are likely unattainable, you'll find that 12 deg initial will give you well over 34 deg total timing and it will ping anyway.   There's others on here who can speak with more engine experience.  You can search for threads on distributor tuning - results from the search are "backwards" - last page is most relevant.   If you don't have a "dial back" timing light you won't be able to find the total timing without timing tape for the damper.

Either way, the factory timing specs are a little,uh, conservative.  It will need more than stock, perhaps less than my first suggestion.