How does ignition timing work on a Chevy 454?

Fuel takes a certain amount of time to burn. As the engine rpm increases the time the fuel remains in the engine decreases exponentially, thus ignition timing is advanced to allow more time for combustion. Mark the timing mark on the harmonic balancer with the white marker to make it more visible for the timing light.

Where is the compression stroke on a Chevy 454?

Look for the long straight line on the balancer and mark this. Look at the timing plate on the driver’s side of the timing chain cover. Notice that it has a V cut in the center of the marker plate — this is top dead center on the compression stroke.

How is ignition timing used in an engine?

Ignition timing is used to ignite the fuel in an internal combustion engine at a particular time in an effort to burn as much of the fuel as possible in the power stroke. Complete combustion of the fuel would be ideal, however, given the inefficiency of the engine, this is very difficult.

Where do you put the timing mark on a distributor?

Walk around to the driver’s side and check the timing to see if you moved the distributor enough to place the timing mark on the 4-degree mark BTDC. Keep adjusting the distributor until 4 degrees before top dead center (BTDC) is achieved. Tighten the distributor hold down bolt using the distributor wrench.

What are the timing instructions on a Chevy 454?

Chevy 454 Timing Instructions. The numbers to the left of the V, looking at the engine from the front, are degrees of advance or how many degrees before top dead center. The numbers to the right of the V are degrees after top dead center. You always want to have the timing advanced or before top dead center.

When to set initial timing on Summit HEI distributor?

We prefer to set the initial timing for most engines at 10 degrees Before Top Dead Center (BTDC). With that set, remove the cap from the distributor. We’re using a Summit HEI distributor.

How to install a distributor and set initial timing?

Leave a little extra room with the spark plug wires to allow freedom of movement in the distributor. For Chevys, be careful to make sure 5 and 7 are installed correctly. If the wires are accidentally switched, the engine will not be happy. Before we try to start the engine, be sure the distributor is connected to switched power.

What should the engine RPM be on a 454?

Connect the vac., should be direct vac. not ported, timming will jump and engine rpm will pick up. A MSD dist. is a different deal, dial back is useless on that. Remove the vac. and block, pull the rpms up to 3K and set total to 36 or 38.

Where is the timing mark on a Chevy 454?

Disconnect the vacuum advance hose on the distributor and plug the hose with a screw. Start the engine. Shine the timing light at the harmonic balancer timing mark on the driver’s side of the engine. Read the number on the timing plate adjacent to the timing mark on the balancer.

We prefer to set the initial timing for most engines at 10 degrees Before Top Dead Center (BTDC). With that set, remove the cap from the distributor. We’re using a Summit HEI distributor.

How to time a big block chevy engine?

Rotating the distributor counterclockwise will advance (increase) the timing. Rotating the distributor clockwise will retard (decrease) the spark timing. Start the engine and allow it to warm to operating temperature. Shine the timing light carefully down the driver’s side of the front of the engine at the harmonic balancer.

When did the Chevy 454 engine come out?

Chevy introduced the 454 big-block V8 engine on its muscle cars starting in 1970. Because of the fuel crisis and government-mandated fuel emission rules, the manufacturer has concentrated the usage of this engine to GM’s heavy-duty trucks.

What causes a Chevy pickup to hard start?

If after you have circled the key a few time the engine starts normally then you now know for sure you have a fuel pressure leak down problem causing your hard start. If this video was helpful please help support my youtube channel by subscribing here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChCX…

What should timing mark be on FMCA 454?

The hard part is to get a good look at the timing mark bracket mounted on the timing chain cover because of the shroud! The setting should be 4deg. before TDC. Forgot to mention that one needs to remove the Vacuum line going to the vacuum advance on the distributor or the timing will not set correctly.

When did the Chevy 454 RV engine come out?

Manufactured by Chevrolet, the 454-cubic-inch big-block V-8 is a workhorse used in a multitude of applications. The reliability and high torque made it an ideal choice for everything from light duty trucks, to SUVs and motorhomes. In its current displacement capacity, the engine debuted in 1970.

How to set the base ignition timing on a 4.3L V-6?

Stop the engine. Set up the vehicle to adjust base timing. Clip the power cables of the timing light to the battery terminals and clip the inductive pick-up around the number one plug wire. The number one cylinder in the 4.3 V-6 is the front wire on the driver-side of the engine.

What should the timing be on a small block Chevy?

When in doubt, total timing should be somewhere between 34 and 36 degrees. A typical small-block Chevy’s timing curve needs to be set somewhere in this range for maximum performance, when the engine is being revved at 3500 RPM. At this point, the timing should stop advancing and should remain steady.

Why is the base ignition timing so important?

Setting the base ignition timing in this engine is critical to the engine’s performance, because on-board computer control of ignition timing during operation assumes base timing is accurate. The average home mechanic can complete this procedure in a few minutes. Start and warm the engine until the thermostat opens.

How do you change the ignition timing on a Chevy Silverado?

Just set the idle as if you were in drive and then adjust the timing to the factory-specified timing mark. The reality is a little more complex. The manual says to do the above, plus disconnect the timing connector, which comes out of the harness conduit next to the distributor.

Where is the set timing wire on a Chevy?

On some years the set timing wire is tan with a white stripe/tracer. The set timing wire is located, under the hood, on the main harness that goes from the engine to the firewall, on the passenger side, sometimes underneath the black plastic cover (if it’s still there) that covers the junction block, relays & fuses.

How to set timing on a Chevy TBI?

Loc: Twin Cities, Minnesota, U… To set the timing you must unplug the set timing connector, which is a single Tan wire with a black stripe/tracer on it. On some years the set timing wire is tan with a white stripe/tracer.

What’s the ignition timing on a 70 L Camino?

Re: 454 ignition timing. 70 L camino, grampa engine, g-force 5 spd, road rage suspension. Pray first before all else fails. Re: 454 ignition timing. I guess what I’m really talking about is relativity rather than absolutes.

What kind of ignition timing does a 1967 Impala have?

1967 Impala Sport Sedan (factory Canadian RHD), 454 on dedicated LPG. 1979 Holden One Tonner Ute, 3.3 l 6 cyl (454 some day when that big bucket of money falls out of the sky!). Both Works In Progress. Re: 454 ignition timing. 70 L camino, grampa engine, g-force 5 spd, road rage suspension.

What causes detonation on a Chevy 454?

Anything past about 34 degrees total timing results in detonation under heavy load, even on 98 octane unleaded fuel. This occurs with or without the vacuum advance connected so I know its a result of initial timing plus mechanical advance.

What’s the best way to set ignition timing?

This requires using the #5 or #8 plug wire to trigger the time light. Check the timing mark first before setting timing, using both plugs to check the timing before proceeding. The # 1 plug wire is used to set timing when using the top marker reference.

What was the torque of a 1979 Chevy 454?

Torque. The 1979 Chevrolet 454 V8 generated 380 lb.-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm, which was also more than the 1979 Dodge 440-3, which generated 330 lb.-feet at 2,400 rpm, and the 1980 Ford 460, which generated 339 lb.-feet at 2,400 rpm.

How do you Connect Spark Plug to Chevy 454?

Connect the carbon connector probe to the number 1 cylinder spark plug wire by pressing on the connector handle and placing the jaws over the wire and allowing the jaws to close. Disconnect the vacuum advance hose on the distributor and plug the hose with a screw.

How to time the ignition timing 454 engine?

Take that plug off and now you should be able to time it by ear. Take that wire off that sensor then find a hill and if an automatic tranny accelarate lightly up the hill in third gear and listen for the valve knock. The engine needs to be at operating temps.