How to read timing?

[gotmud]

My engine says to set it at 2 degrees tdc. Should the line be to the right of the zero or to the left of the zero?
Any benefits to going to a different degree setting?
Its a 307 with stock cam and 76 vette heads with a peformer edlebrock intake and 4bbl carb and the pertronix ignition.
Glenn

[lukecp]

2* would be the first tick left of 0 on the timing tab. It should say BTDC (advanced) and ATDC (retarted) on the timing tab. Each tick on the tab is two degrees.

If you have electronic igniton instead of the points, it will proably tolerate quite a bit more. I know a 350 with electronic ingition likes 10-12 BTDC, i would set yours at 12 and go pull a few hills lisetning to spark knock....if it pings back it off 2 degrees at a time until it stops. Good luck!

[gotmud]

So this means the timing mark should be at the 5th or 6th mark to the left of 0 on the tab to start with....correct????
Glenn

[lukecp]

Yes, i have experience with 350's and HEI ignitons and that is what they seem to like. However you have a 307, but i wouldn't imagine it to be too much different.
I would try it there and see how it runs. If it is sluggish or pings, back it off accordingly until it runs good.

Good luck!

[gotmud]

I finally got it in my head what advanced meant and boy does it run a whole lot better when the timing is set right! Seems she now likes to spin the tires....anyway to fix that problem????
:p