SBC Timing

[JWH]

I know this subject has been beat to death but I reckon I missed it, anyway help would be greatly appreciated. I have a small bloock chevy with aluminum heads, 2 to 1 gearbox, powershift prop and somewhere in the neighborhood of 450 hp. What would be the best degree of timing to set the motor at for optimum performance? Thanks for all the help.

 

[jdotson]

I believe 32 degrees total advance is what most have posted previously.

 

[NorthWestFloridaBoy]

I've been told/heard 32-34 TOTAL advance on the sbc

 

[Olf Art]

32 ....... total.

 

[roberti53]

This is from classic site.

10° BTDC @ 800 RPM
32° total @ 4000 RPM with vacuum advance disconnected

 

[Waterthunder]

The main two things is what's the bore size and how much static cylinder Pressure do you have. If it's a 4.00 bore as in a 350 block go with 34deg if it's a 4.125 as in a 400 block go with 32deg if your boat is big and heavy take of another degree or two!

 

[triple "L"]

do you leave the vacuum advance hooked up or do you disconnect it for total timing

 

[roberti53]

I was told when I bought my engine that it is to be permanently plugged.

 

[Waterthunder]

I remove the vacuum advance and install a spring kit in the distributor. If you have an HEI distributor the kit will be a MrGasket PN#929G you need to install the lightest springs in the kit! This will give you great snap!