Author Topic: small block 400 timing  (Read 2871 times)

Offline buddy84GMC

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small block 400 timing
« on: June 24, 2008, 11:07:57 pm »
I have an '84 Sierra with a 72 small block 400 in it and it has HEI.  What should the timing be on the balancer for an HEI 400?  Mine is about 4 degrees advanced (to the left of the 0) when I put the light on it.  I found it to run really good a  little above 4 so maybe 5 since the next marker is 6.  Let me know if you need any other info to help me out.  I am no mechanic but I am trying!  Thanks a lot.
1984 GMC K1500 8" lift, 39" MT Baja Belted tires, 400 small block
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4x4 L33 5.3L Special Edition
1967 Lincoln Continental Coupe Hot Rod, 462 big block

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: small block 400 timing
« Reply #1 on: June 25, 2008, 08:35:50 am »
Advance the timing to it's full potential. Using the marks and a timing light is good for baselining but you should try to get as much advance out of it without pinging and hard starting.
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Offline 76 k10

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Re: small block 400 timing
« Reply #2 on: June 26, 2008, 02:11:46 pm »
ya i only us timming lights on smog motors but when the motor starts to grunt when starting just back it off a lil and you should be good