Timing on my new rebuilt 383

[mpro69rr]

Hey Guys,

I tried searching for my answer but no luck. I know how to start the correct sequence when timing a new 383. First you find TDC, then you align the intermediate oil shaft slot to be in line with the crank and cam. Put the distributor in and wherever its pointing to is spark plug wire #1. Now this is where I am getting stuck. Do I start the car at this point to break the cam in or do I have to make it 12-15 BTDC? If I do, how do I do that? I want to be ready to put the engine in my RR when its out of paint jail.

Thanks!

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Get it started and time it,,, than adjust the carb IMO.

 

[turbine68rt]

Hey Guys,

I tried searching for my answer but no luck. I know how to start the correct sequence when timing a new 383. First you find TDC, then you align the intermediate oil shaft slot to be in line with the crank and cam. Put the distributor in and wherever its pointing to is spark plug wire #1. Now this is where I am getting stuck. Do I start the car at this point to break the cam in or do I have to make it 12-15 BTDC? If I do, how do I do that? I want to be ready to put the engine in my RR when its out of paint jail.

Thanks!

When you have the crank at tdc make sure it's on the compression stroke, then the rotor should point towards #1 on the cap. Around 5 o' clock position. It should get you close enough that it will fire, but once it does, get it up to 2000rpm, have an advance timing light ready and set it for around 30-32 degrees btdc and vary the rpms for 20-30 minutes between 2k-2500.

 

[Rusty 72]

After verifying TDC I always set to around 8-10 BTDC to get it started. I am not sure it'll start right at 0. Although I've never tried.
Just roll the motor until you get to approx. 10 BTDC and realign the rotor to point to the no 1 cylinder by rotating the distributor.

 

[mpro69rr]

After verifying TDC I always set to around 8-10 BTDC to get it started. I am not sure it'll start right at 0. Although I've never tried.
Just roll the motor until you get to approx. 10 BTDC and realign the rotor to point to the no 1 cylinder by rotating the distributor.

Thank you, thats the answer I'm looking for. So just turn the engine to 12-15 BTDC and then turn the distributor back to #1 cylinder. I have a good cam so it was suggested to start at 12-15 BTDC.

 

[turbine68rt]

I did tdc with mine but as soon as it fired i adjusted the timing immediately after getting it to 2000rpm.

 

[493 Mike]

Do the above steps then roll the motor to the advance you desire. Next loosen the distributor, turn the key to run, pull coil wire out of the cap and hold it near a ground. Now rotate the distributor back and forth and observe the spark. When you get in the range you can trigger the spark very close to the timing you set. Tighten in this position and fire the engine.
Mike

 

[beanhead]

Stock-style electronic distributor? What I do, very simple, start by rolling the engine to my desired timing number on the balancer. For an inital start-up I put it on 18-20 BTDC, unless the build/camshaft is close to stock, then I'll do 12 or 15. (IMO better to have a little too much timing on a break-in than too little, too little advance will have it getting very hot and the headers glowing red)..Remove the distributor cap, and rotate the distributor until the reluctor tooth is aligned with the pickup coil's contact. Fire it up!

 

[turbine68rt]

One thing to consider is the fact that we don't know how much mechanical advance his distributor is providing or when it comes in, which is why using an advance light while it's at 2k takes out any guesswork. The initial timing will need to be set after break-in without going over about 34° all-in.

 

[mpro69rr]

One thing to consider is the fact that we don't know how much mechanical advance his distributor is providing or when it comes in, which is why using an advance light while it's at 2k takes out any guesswork. The initial timing will need to be set after break-in without going over about 34° all-in.

I have a pertronix distributor and I think it comes at 24 default if that means anything. Not sure I understand this part!

 

[Nate S]

Remember that when you put the cam in with the dots on the cam gear and crank gear right across from each other is TDC for the #6 cylinder and 180° out for #1. Turn it so that both dots are up and you'll be at TDC for #1.

 

[Joske2]

http://www.hughesengines.com/Upload/productInstructions/EasytoStartJuly2013X.pdf