Max Timing

[ACAT]

I have a .030 over 3100 ( 3200? ) w/ flat top pistons, 10.5 compression, stock roller cam, iron heads, edelbrock 4 bbl. intake, HEI distributor and stock exhaust manifolds. 1700 lb car. What total timing advance do you think I should run? What HP would you guess w/ this combo? I have room for some short headers, 12 in. runners. Would it be worth doing? How much HP? Thanks

[Superdave]

crank it up till it pings.. then back it off 2 degrees.. j/k

28 degrees total should be fine, you could go higher if you are running premium but probably don't need it.

HP.. maybe 140 or so @ the crank.


what kind of car is this?

[ACAT]

It is a mid-engine tube frame street rod. I'm @ 36 degrees advance already w/ no pinging on reg fuel. Engine is 2' from my ear so I should hear it. Guess I will try a little more. V8's seem to run this amount. My carb is rich so that may be allowing it.

[2.8RS]

You might be seeing 150 at best I would guess. Stock 3.1s made about 140 if I'm not mistaken.

[sharkey]

i run my motor around 36 total, its a bit less compression with a 260h cam. i have tried running as much as 42 degrees without pinging, but i dont really see any power gains above 38

[IsaacHayes]

I think 36 or so is about on for the iron heads.

[rsisbetter]

i run my motor around 36 total, its a bit less compression with a 260h cam. i have tried running as much as 42 degrees without pinging, but i dont really see any power gains above 38

rev 8k rpm, and you'll see a gain.

[torq455]

you'll only gain power if the engine needs more spark lead. you can over-time it w/o gains or even loose power w/o any knock. me, i have 30 with 91 octane and rarely get knock, but that's a mid third gear (auto) hot day run. however, i do have a mostly stock 3.1 with 150K miles.

[Superdave]

Mine's making most power at 25 degrees advance, but that's with a big cam, really good heads and upped compression.