Performance timing
I just want a basic step by step instructions on what to do ! Like start the vehicle up and let it warm up, grab a timing light etc . I have a timing light with a degree dial on it . Do i leave it at 0 ect.
Steps:
1. Review the definitions in post #30.
2. Have a notepad, your timing light, and tachometer ready. If you have a vacuum gage, connect it to a manifold vac source. If you don't, don't worry about it right now.
3a. Disconnect the hose from the vacuum advance canister on the distributor. Plug the hose with a golf tee or similar; or remove the hose and cap the vacuum source. This is always done, even when setting to factory specs on a stock engine. See definations of timing for why.
3b. Put inductive clamp for timing light on #1 spark plug wire. Route the timing light wires so they will not contact the exhaust manifolds or fan blade when the light is being used as well as where ever you are laying it down. Connect the tach with same precautions.
4. Start engine and get it running at a stable speed.
5a. Aim timing light at the timing tab/fixed marks on the timing cover.
5b. With light set at 0 on the dial, note the timing mark lit by the strobe. Read that and then read the tachometer. Write both down.
5b alternative. If the strobe is not illuminating the zero mark on the damper where it lines up with a fixed mark, then increase the dial setting on the timing light until the mark on the damper lines up with the TDC mark on the timing cover. Read the number on the dialback light. Check the tachometer. Write rpm and advance.
6. Repeat at slow idle. If equiped with an automatic transmission,
and you can do so safely (a second person is best), repeat at slow idle with transmissoin in gear. Also read and write down the vacuum with this reading.
7. In neutral or park, read the tach, the timing and rpm again. Write these down. Increase the engine speed 200 or 250 rpm and repeat. Do so again and again every 250 or 500 rpm whatever you feel is sufficient for your purpose and comfort level. At higher rpms you will have to use
5b alternative. At some point you can just do as 67Dart273 suggested - quickly snap the throttle to 4000 rpm or so and see what the timing is. And if you are not comfortable doing that yet, that's OK too. As with crackedback explained, its important to get foundation built first.
8. Return engine speed to the same as you wrote down at the begining of step 7.
9. If you want to recheck if the engine will now idle even lower since the engine is warmer, this is a good time to do so. Check to see if the timing is lower at the new lowest rpm the engine will idle. Write down the timing, rpm and vacuum. See if it will idle in drive. If not, increase idle speed to where it was when it did.
