First Start Up, Ignition Timing Question

Jase77 · 03-30-2018, 10:34 AM

Hi Pelicans,

Tomorrow will be the day that I attempt the first start up of my engine rebuild. It's all back in the car and everything is prepped and ready to go. I am just doing some last minute research to refresh what I have read when I started this 'winter project' back in December 2016!

So, the motor was a Californian 2.7S (1977) with all of the smog equipment fitted. I have rebuilt it without any of this and the engine is now more like a Euro 2.7. I have a set of 3ltr SC cams fitted and JE pistons.

My question is in regard to the ignition timing. Should I time it to the original figures of the Californian model of 15 degrees ATDC or go for the Euro figures of 5 degrees ATDC.? I also cannot find any numbers for the Total Advance Timing Check of both.

What do you guys with loads more experience at doing this think? Does it actually make much difference in the end?

As always, any help and advice is very much appreciated. Wish me luck.
Cheers,
Jason.

snbush67 · snbush67's Garage

If this is the first time running the motor than you should just get it close to get the rpms up and run the cams in. I think that the closer you are to 15 ATDC will allow you to get it started easier. Get the RPMs up and run it in. After that then you can drain and replace the oil then fiddle with timing etc.

In the end you will discover what is best through trial and error, remember to have it properly set, you adjust and check the timing on a warmed up engine.

The difference that it makes is if its a street car then it is best to have it idle smoothly, if its a track car then you want top end performance and idle doesn't matter as much.

Jase77 · 04-02-2018, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snbush67

If this is the first time running the motor than you should just get it close to get the rpms up and run the cams in. I think that the closer you are to 15 ATDC will allow you to get it started easier. Get the RPMs up and run it in. After that then you can drain and replace the oil then fiddle with timing etc.

In the end you will discover what is best through trial and error, remember to have it properly set, you adjust and check the timing on a warmed up engine.

The difference that it makes is if its a street car then it is best to have it idle smoothly, if its a track car then you want top end performance and idle doesn't matter as much.

Thanks for your suggestion. It's a street car so I will go for the smoothest idle.

Cheers.