Timing on a 396 eng

[woodchip]

I know this has been ask before but I will ask it anyway.My service manaul says to set the timing 4 degrees BTDC ( 396 auto) at 500 RPM. But when I set it at 4 degrees it is very slow on pickup, and don't want to go. I set it 8 degrees and it runs much better, and has better pick up. Can anyone tell me what is correct for a 396 inch with a auto.

[hugger6933]

The factory was real bad about having the timing retared too much on the big blocks. Even on some trucks I've owned [and sold] up into the late 90's you can crank in some advance and wake up the motor. Closer to 10 to 12 degrees is where I think you find your motor happyest. Jim

[woodchip]

Originally Posted by hugger6933

The factory was real bad about having the timing retared too much on the big blocks. Even on some trucks I've owned [and sold] up into the late 90's you can crank in some advance and wake up the motor. Closer to 10 to 12 degrees is where I think you find your motor happyest. Jim

Thanks Jim I will try that tomorrow, I use to own this truck when it was new , and it would go when you hit it.