Distributor/Timing Questions

[dm36415]

Two simple questions about my stock 1977 2.7:

1. Does rotating the distributor clockwise advance or retard the timing?

2. Does the vacuum under load advance or retard the timing?

And yes, I fully expect to get a "retard" response somewhere that may not relate to the timing, but rather my lack of knowledge about this (har).

Thanks again...............

[Walter_Middie]

Dave,

Your rotor turns clockwise - so rotating the distributor body counter clockwise will advance the timing. You can see which direction the rotor turns by putting the car in 5th gear, removing the distributor cap, and pushing the car forward while watching the rotor turn.

The vacuum on my car (1975 2.7 L) only works at idle, and retards the timing about 5 to 7 degrees (for emissions). I think your car should work the same as mine.

[dm36415]

Thanks, exactly the information I was looking for.

[Early_S_Man]

Dave,

Retard vacuum module only for '72 - '77 models! It was supposed to be 10° at idle, only, for smog compliance. Many folks cap the module and vacuum source port, and use the centrifugal advance only!

Here is a thread with exact factory specs for your distributor, which are the same as the 911T 2.4 specs posted, here:

distributor lube...