Timing questions

[MASTERBrian]

In process of buttoning up my rebuilt 350. I'll do some reading up on timing and what advance to set motor to and such, but looking for any pointers.

In the meantime, I had to order a new harmonic balancer and the one I got has just the slot for the timing mark. I do have a chrome pointer, but some of the chrome is flaked off, so I'm planning on replacing it. In my searches, I came up with this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CMT4J8...=I6HZXSBMVBH67. Personally, I think it looks like a pretty sweet idea and would save on the hassles of using a timing gun. Is it worth the extra $20-30 or does everyone see it as being a waste?

I'd also have to buy some tape to put on balancer to get the marks degree marks on it, so I guess add a few more $$.

Any suggestions on where to set the timing on a street built 350, bored 60 over with flat tops, re-worked stock heads, 4 barrel carb, 270/280 hydr cam? I advanced the cam 4* to gain low end torque and I believe I have a 390 rear end and I'll have a rebuilt turbo 350 with shift kit.

[geezer#99]

Save your money and get a real timing light. That gizmo might not be accurate at the timing you'll need.
Forget about a tape too, unless you buy them a dozen at a time. They leave real quick.
Get a good dial back or digital light.
As for timing with your combo and at your elevation you might up near 20 initial.
Check this link.
http://www.badasscars.com/index.cfm/...d=76/prd76.htm

[MASTERBrian]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Save your money and get a real timing light. That gizmo might not be accurate at the timing you'll need.
Forget about a tape too, unless you buy them a dozen at a time. They leave real quick.
Get a good dial back or digital light.
As for timing with your combo and at your elevation you might up near 20 initial.
Check this link.
http://www.badasscars.com/index.cfm/...d=76/prd76.htm

Thanks! I wondered if that tape would stay stuck, but since it's a brand new balancer, I figured odds might be in my favor if I did before the install.

I'll spend the $30-40 on something else. Thanks! I have a decent timing light, I'm not sure I have ever used it personally. It's been on my shelf for 20+ yrs and I kept wondering why I was even hanging onto it, but last summer a friend was able to take advantage of my having it.

[MASTERBrian]

Geezer, now you've opened another can of worms for me. I think I have a stock HEI distributor, which is probably from the mid 70's or early 80's. I plan on having the parts store test whatever they can, but it needs new cap and rotor, I believe as there is some corrosion on these and I don't want to attempt to clean them and end with issues.

With that said and considering I'm probably looking at about $30-40 for new parts, I see some performance HEI's sell for $80 and up. Am I better off spending that $40 from the timing pointer on an upgraded HEI distributor? If so, where do I start with my setup? My goal is just a nice streetable cruiser, but I want to be able to smoke the tires , etc.

[geezer#99]

Easier to buy a new one.
https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...001r/overview/
You might need to recurve it. Look here.
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...EI_distributor

And you'll need to confirm #1 tdc.
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...op_dead_center

[MASTERBrian]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Easier to buy a new one.
https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...001r/overview/
You might need to recurve it. Look here.
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...EI_distributor

And you'll need to confirm #1 tdc.
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...op_dead_center

Thanks!

[MASTERBrian]

Getting to the point I'm actually ready to order a distributor but first I want to double check that there shouldn't be any clearance issues with the HEI on a 350 in a '60 Suburban. The distributor that was on the previous 350 in the vehicle wasn't HEI and I didn't check to see if the one I have would fit before pulling the motor....

[geezer#99]

THat could pose a problem.
Maybe you need to look at a pertronix.
THey have different ones.
http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/fla...t/default.aspx

[MASTERBrian]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

THat could pose a problem.
Maybe you need to look at a pertronix.
THey have different ones.
http://www.pertronix.com/prod/ig/fla...t/default.aspx

I'll check those out, but was hoping someone could say yes they work in theirs. Maybe I'll wait to order UNTIL after I set the motor in place. I have an HEI that was I the motor I rebuilt, but for the cost of rebuilding it, I can get a new one for a bit more and Amazon has one with great reviews I can get within 2 days of ordering.