request a lesson on engine timing Options

[type47]

I'd like to know on what parameters does the timing of an engine depend: induction? cam? I am resurrecting a 2L with a carb cam and installing a CIS basic system. We started the engine at the ECC in Oct and am progressing very slowly. I think the engine has an 009 dizzy (engine is still at ECC site so can't check now); at least it has a non-vacuum advance dizzy. I have a 2L D-Jet dizzy ready to install and that will probably be one of the next steps. When we started the engine, it did not sound smooth running but it started and that was the intent at the time,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRLyDnp7G_0#t=15

but there could be other things that caused that. My question is really to what specs do I time the engine; 27 degrees @ 3500 rpm like a D-Jet?

[dlee6204]

Jim, I had almost the same question when I was tuning my engine with CIS. For the most part I found that since your setup is "custom" your timing will be custom as well, you just have to find where it runs best. With that being said, stock timing should be a very good starting point.

I think other that a cam difference we almost have the same setup. I found that engine ran just fine at the stock timing but ended up having to retard it a few degrees because of high head temps. I also played around between L-Jet and D-Jet distributors and neither seemed to make a huge difference, both worked well. I can't remember if I tried a 009.

[type47]

... you just have to find where it runs best. With that being said, stock timing should be a very good starting point.

What factors did you use to find that point where it runs best? I read somewhere that a vacuum gauge can help and I have a vacuum gauge in the system. I can install a head temp gauge too if that is one of the factors... Curt also mentioned that he had to retard the timing on his engine.