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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: colorado springs
Posts: 479
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396 bbc timing help
Hi all, I could use some help. 396 Mark IV BBC, mild cam. New cam, carb, dizzy, manifold & mid length headers. Im in the process of timing and tuning and I’m having trouble finding consistent timing numbers. In my research I’ve found everything from initial 4 degrees to 20 and everything in between and all in at widely variable rpms and degrees. Does anyone have solid numbers I can shoot for.
The other variable is 6,500 feet. In the past I’ve added 2 degrees per 1500’. Any added info on elevation would be great also. Today I’m going to verify TDC then start tuning n timing. Thank you |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Dallas Texas
Posts: 3,090
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Re: 396 bbc timing help
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I started at about 12* BTDC on the crank and another 16 or so via the dizzy with two light springs so all in before 2500. Then I started driving it and advancing manually during the drive until it started pinging under load and backed it off a bit from there. Haven't checked with the light to determine where it ended up but I suspect it's around 18-20 degrees BTDC on the crank. Hth, -klb
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67 C10 fleet fuel injected '70 402, 700r4, 3.73 posi 07 335 sport turbo 6sp 94 Trans Am GT LT1 6sp posi -- sold after 22yrs 99 540 sport V8 6sp -- sold 73 240z L24 4sp -- given to friend 68 C10 step 350/350 3.73 open -- sold |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bowser
Posts: 13,607
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Re: 396 bbc timing help
You need to experiment and see what your motor likes.
I’ve run the same 396 and had 20 initial at 4000 feet. Here’s a timing link. http://www.badasscars.com/index.cfm/...d=76/prd76.htm |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 7,717
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Re: 396 bbc timing help
Read this. It's long. There are some disagreements in it. But it is worth your time. And no reason to have everybody re-write this stuff everytime.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ng-post-2.html
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44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Post Falls, ID
Posts: 889
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Re: 396 bbc timing help
Use a dial back timing light.
Shoot for 34-36 total timing with the vacuum advance disconnected and the RPM's around 2800. Your total timing is way more important than your initial timing. |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bowser
Posts: 13,607
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Re: 396 bbc timing help
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#7 | |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Post Falls, ID
Posts: 889
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Re: 396 bbc timing help
Quote:
As long as it ain't pinging or hard to start. At 40* it sounds like you're in the ballpark. |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: colorado springs
Posts: 479
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Re: 396 bbc timing help
I appreciate the help, here’s where I’m at so far. Confirmed TDC, carb is pretty dialed in, still need some fine tuning. Set initial timing at 24, all in 40 @ 2500 rpm. Seems pretty good, adjusted valves on right bank, took it for a test drive, ran well no pinging. Adjusted the valves on the left bank, at that point had to many beers to go for a test drive. Will continue tomorrow.
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#9 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bowser
Posts: 13,607
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Re: 396 bbc timing help
Quote:
What carb you got? |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: colorado springs
Posts: 479
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Re: 396 bbc timing help
I used a wood rod in the #1 spark plug hole turned the motor with a socket wrench, repeated multiple times to be sure . Luckily the previous zero marks were dead on.
AVS 2 650. 98 primary jet 65x37 rod, 92 secondary, accelerator pump on bottom setting, yellow spring. |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bowser
Posts: 13,607
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Re: 396 bbc timing help
How’s the fuel pressure with your avs?
Did you lower the floats a bit? How did you recurve your distributor? |
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#12 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: colorado springs
Posts: 479
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Re: 396 bbc timing help
Quote:
Set the floats out of the box and re-check them every time I break it down to change jets. Used the specs out of the manual. I think it’s 7/16” inverted and 1” upright. Running stock springs & weights, I have a Mr. Gasket spring and weight set on order , the curve comes in pretty fast so I’m gonna even it out |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bowser
Posts: 13,607
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Re: 396 bbc timing help
When you’re out cruising listen closely for any low rpm or sudden throttle closures noises. You can get detonation with too much timing that’s in too fast.
I had that once on a 396. Spent a thousand bucks finding what was rattling. It was detonating! |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: colorado springs
Posts: 479
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Re: 396 bbc timing help
Oh man, I’ve been chasing a rattling sound, kinda sounds like pinging but I wasn’t thinking that route due to it being at low RPMs. Also led me away from that thought because it sounds like it’s coming from under the cab/bed area. I wonder if it’s echoing in the mid exhaust or off the O2 sensor. I’m glad you brought this up, I’m gonna look into it.
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bowser
Posts: 13,607
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Re: 396 bbc timing help
First test is plug off your vacuum advance.
When you slam the throttle shut the vacuum spikes, your timing gets way advanced from the vac pot adding too much timing. |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: colorado springs
Posts: 479
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Re: 396 bbc timing help
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bowser
Posts: 13,607
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Re: 396 bbc timing help
IIRC around 16 initial, 14 from the dizzy plus 10 from the vac can.
I used a vac can limiter to keep the vac amount down. Mind you this 396 I had was a 10.25 to 1 motor with a cam similar to an L78. |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: colorado springs
Posts: 479
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Re: 396 bbc timing help
Just got done messing with it some more, I’m getting 24 from the vac can which Is way to much. Ordered an adjustable can gonna set it around 10 and go from there
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#19 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bowser
Posts: 13,607
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Re: 396 bbc timing help
Quote:
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...EI_distributor |
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#20 | |
motor exploder
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 2,346
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Re: 396 bbc timing help
Quote:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=755690 Pics in post #6
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: colorado springs
Posts: 479
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Re: 396 bbc timing help
Prior to seeing geezer and bosshog’s post I had already ordered an adjustable vac can, what a waste of money, I was wanting 10 from vac can and I could get no less than 20.. After reading their post I ordered a stop plate which was exactly what I needed. Finally on the right track and now just doing some fine tuning.
Here’s where I’m at, remember I live in high altitude and I’m adding 4 degrees to accommodate. 20 initial, advance starts in at 1500rpm 40 all in at 3200rpm Vac advance stop at 8. Thank you for the advice on the vac advance stop. |
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