Timing Setup with MSD / 454

[gr8vet]

Hey gang, friend has a 454 Marine engine with a MSD distributor, outboard box, no adjustable vacuum advance.

Anyone know specs on where this thing should have initial timing set? Total timing? We originally set at 4 degrees base to get the total down to 41 which is still way to high. If we do not hook up the vacuum advance the total mechanical timing will only reach about 18 which is too low. Any thoughts on anyway to adjust without the vacuum advance being adjustable? MAn this one is a PITA.

Thanks in advance.

tt

 

[Twin_Turbo]

Set it so that the advance comes in quickly but does not go over about 36-38 mechanical total, whatever the engine likes (38 may be too high)

Depending on what vac can you have you can then go to about 52-54 deg. @ cruise w/ full mech & vac. The vac servos are stamped indicating the # of deg. they add.

Check this out

http://www.vettemod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=397

There are many more excellent timing articles by Lars in the tech section

 

[lars]

PLease note that the article linked above is outdated and obsolete - e-mail me for a current copy:
[email protected]
Set up your timing as outlined in the current article. You don't need an adjustable vacuum advance - in fact, I recommend against them. Use the correct vacuum advance for the application as described in the current article.
Lars

 

[Twin_Turbo]

That is the latest rev. bird sent me, can you sen me the latest one? I'll change the article.

 

[lars]

Twin -
Give me your e-mail address, or send me an e-mail request for the latest article and I'll get you set up with the current tech info:
[email protected]
Lars

 

[Twin_Turbo]

email sent

 

[gr8vet]

PLease note that the article linked above is outdated and obsolete - e-mail me for a current copy:
[email protected]
Set up your timing as outlined in the current article. You don't need an adjustable vacuum advance - in fact, I recommend against them. Use the correct vacuum advance for the application as described in the current article.
Lars

Will do, thanks.

tt

 

[010752]

Don't know if this is for a real marine application or a marine engine transplanted into a vehicle, but
Marine application distributers generally do not use a vacumn advance at all.
With the correct prop the engine should be under load at all times.