engine timing

[bonanza7369]

What should the initial timing be set at for a 56 ford 292 with manual trans. service manual says 6 degrees for ford-o-matic but footnote says all 292 with standard trans. 10 degrees. In the ignition section of the service manual it says all 6&8 cyl engines with standard trans. 3 degrees. CONFUSION?

 

[Hot Rod Reverend]

confusing verbiage from the 50s notwithstanding, with the combination of today's fuel blends, makeup of ignition parts you have installed, etc you will find that following the manual on timing will only give you a baseline. As a general rule, Y blocks run better with quite a bit more initial timing than "stock".

 

[paul2748]

I have two YBlock cars (both 312's) and they seem to like 10-12 degrees initial.

 

[Ole Don]

Time a Y block with a vacuum gauge for best results.

 

[bonanza7369]

thanks guys

 

[Grumpy Rick]

Don,

Never timed with a vacuum guage. Am I looking for highest vac?

Rick

 

[Dodge]

Highest vacuum then back off about 2 inches of vacuum.

 

[dmsfrr]

Set the points correctly before adjusting the timing, I prefer using a dwell meter if you have one, and plug the vacuum line from the carb.
Highest vacuum should be in the neighborhood of 19 to 20+ inches (with a stock cam).
If you get any ping/knock in the engine with hard acceleration (sounds like rattling marbles),
back off the advance a degree or two at a time until the noise goes away.

.