Timing question | 356 Speedster, 550 Spyder, Replica, Automotive Community

I have a mechanical advance Mallory distributor.I set the timing at 30 degrees ATDC,and my car was running around 1700rpm at idle.I called my mechanic,and he told me to set it at 28 degrees.My cr is 8.7:1.What am I doing wrong? How do I set the idle timing?

7/21/061:33 AM

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I have a mechanical advance Mallory distributor.I set the timing at 30 degrees ATDC,and my car was running around 1700rpm at idle.I called my mechanic,and he told me to set it at 28 degrees.My cr is 8.7:1.What am I doing wrong? How do I set the idle timing?

Alan MerklinDrclock - Elkins, West Virginia Supporting Member

while holding the motor RPM's at 3000 rpm's set the timing at 28 degrees it will return to about 7 + - degrees at idle. Alan

Thank you.

Former Member

Lambros,
Is it possible you really want to be setting your timing for BTDC (BEFORE Top Dead Center)not ATDC!!

Mark

Former Member

Also Lambros, when you get the timing right make sure your car is idling from 800 to 1000 rpm max.

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