310 wildcat timing

Discussion in 'Wrenchin' Secrets' started by *skye*, Apr 29, 2021.

  1. *skye*

    *skye* Well-Known Member

    I know this probably been asked a million times,im new to the forum so I hope this is where I should post this.i want to set the timing on my 300ci.i know it's 2.5 btdc.is there a particular timing mark I'm looking for where the timing marks are at.any help on some type of a walk through on this would be a great help.im handy with a wrench, pretty new to the old-school stuff but I'm very eager to gain knowledge since this my first classic. Thanks everyone.
     
  2. pbr400

    pbr400 68GS400

    I’m not sure about the marks, but a dial back timing light will be your best friend. You can use it to set zero and then figure out your marks, plus read Larry’s timing thread, set it up to those specs (30* total by 3000 or a little more and a little sooner) and you’ll be amazed at how well it runs. Old school’s awesome when it’s tuned well.
    Patrick
     
  3. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    My first question is, do you have a timing light, and dwell meter? My second question is, have you ever set the timing on an old car?

    If the answers to both questions is yes, the first thing you should do is check the point dwell. Set it to 30* with a dwell meter. It is important to check and set dwell as dwell affects ignition timing. Once dwell is set, locate and clean the timing tab and the timing mark on the harmonic balancer. You can highlight the marks with some white or yellow paint.

    1965300IgnTiming.jpg



    Pull the vacuum hose off the vacuum advance canister, and plug it. Hook up your timing light to the #1 plug wire, and battery. Aim the light at the timing tab. The timing mark should align with the line between 0 and 5 on the tab. If it does, you are done. If not, shut the engine down, and loosen the distributor hold down bolt. Restart the engine, point the timing light at the marks. Turn the distributor until the marks align. CCW rotation of the distributor advances timing, CW, retards it. Tighten the hold down bolt, and recheck timing.
     
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  4. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

  5. Quick Buick

    Quick Buick Arlington Wa

  6. *skye*

    *skye* Well-Known Member

    Thanks everyone, I have electronic ignition no points.guess my main question was if the timing marks had numbers next to them.i do have a timing gun.so I'll check it when I get home! Thank you
     
  7. philbquick

    philbquick Founders Club Member

    If it's a 2 barrel it's 9:1 compression, 4 barrel, 10.25:1. If you have the lower compression engine and run a lot of octane you can set it at 10 to 12 degrees. Back in the day, when I could buy 100 octane fuel, I'd set my timing at 18 degrees, plus I had a curve kit in the distributer. My total advance was 36+ degrees.
     
  8. *skye*

    *skye* Well-Known Member

    It's actually the original 2bbl engine withe the 4bbl intake. With a Holly 570cfm. I checked the timing couldn't find a notch on the crank pully. But did find a red dot? Assuming that's the mark I'm looking for it wasn't even close to where it needed to be.
     
  9. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    Often people clean and paint the balancer notch white to make it easier to see.
     
  10. *skye*

    *skye* Well-Known Member

    Ok so there should be a notch .got it I'll get under there and clean it and make sure I'm looking at the right mark.thanks
     
  11. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    I posted a picture of what you are looking for.
     
  12. *skye*

    *skye* Well-Known Member

    I appreciate that thank you .I didn't realize that was actually what I was looking for.(12 hr shift at work, was a little tired)I appreciate you posting this .thanks again.
     
  13. *skye*

    *skye* Well-Known Member

    This is exactly what I needed thanks!
     
  14. *skye*

    *skye* Well-Known Member

    Ok...so I found out why I can't find the notch when I was trying to time it.someone installed the distributor incorrectly. The rotor is not pointing to the #1 plug wire In the correct location. All the plug wires are shifted over like three spots.so is there anything I need to know before I pull it out to move it to where the rotor should be pointed ? I did find the post about the firing order on the cap. I just don't want to screw something up. Appreciate all your guys input!
     
  15. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    It doesn't matter where the #1 plug wire is. If it runs and you can adjust the timing, leave it alone. Did you pull and plug the vacuum advance hose before checking the timing. Make sure the timing light is hooked to the #1 plug wire, no matter where it is on the cap.
     
  16. *skye*

    *skye* Well-Known Member

    Let it warm up completely? And just plug the carb side correct?
     
  17. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Pull the vacuum hose off the vacuum advance canister at the distributor and plug it. Then check the timing. Yes, warmed up.
     
  18. *skye*

    *skye* Well-Known Member

    Thank you its I have it adjusted .appreciate your help.
     

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