total advance timing on 454

[d&smach]

I have a lowish perf. twin 454 chev offshore (330-370 hp). Anybody know the total advance degrees to set timing? Many times timing specs are given at low rpm, which would be somewhat helpful, but total advance is my prefered goal. Thanks

[JP Love]

Total advance 8*

[BUIZILLA]

....

34*

[d&smach]

Total advance 8*

8 degrees total!? At WOT? I suspect you are trying to beat your competition with your keyboard! Actually thanks, I'm sure you are refering to idle timing.

[d&smach]

....

34*

Okay 34 sounds better than 8. I'll give it a shot, TX.
145 cranking compression and 87 octane gas. Is 34 safe? Would there be a gain in perf. if I cranked the timing up a couple degrees and burned 93 octane?

[BUSHWACKER]

Yes 34 degrees @ about 3,000 rpm vacumn line disconnected and pluged if ya have one.

[BUIZILLA]

what ignition system? if it's non-Merc then 34* @ 3000-3200 is safe

if it's Merc ign then let us know the box # first, some advances within the Merc boxes are lazy and need 4000-4500 for the full curve

[d&smach]

what ignition system? if it's non-Merc then 34* @ 3000-3200 is safe

if it's Merc ign then let us know the box # first, some advances within the Merc boxes are lazy and need 4000-4500 for the full curve

Mallory distributors, around 1978, points. I was planning on removing the advance springs and locking the weights in full advance, then crank it over and set it to 34, sound logical?

[BUIZILLA]

I wouldn't do that.... put the medium springs in it and set it at 3200 for 34*, use 89 gas where you can, but 87 will be okay, it should work out to be about 12-13* initial at 800 rpm

[Bartman39]

Neither would I... With 34 degrees of advance then you would be real lucky to get them to crank even cold let alone hot... If you have retard boxes then no biggie but yes stick with the mechanical advance springs and the base timing in the range BUIZILLA said and they will be about right...

I did look back and the 330hp versions came with like 8.5 to 1 compression but if its the 370hp versions then I think they were up around 9.5+ to 1 and that would have to be atleast 89 octane and even the lower compression motor would work better on it... The chambers in BBC heads are not the best design for even combustion but if tuned correctly and keep the temp low and steady then power they make...

[BUSHWACKER]

In case you don't know ya can convert to pointless, Mallory makes a kit.

[JP Love]

Total advance 8*Excuse me ...