In other words -- VIC -- Set the timing at 36* at 3000 rpm and you'll be fine...

:rofl:

ROFLMAO!

I came late from work, and had decent weather, but took Franks advice to not time until after exhaust..

i thought I would do some work, and put my timing tape on, and read the instructions.. i installed tape so that it faces clockwise, so when the tape is on TDC, the numbers to the right are 10,20,30 degrees etc. BUT on my timing tab, the numbers to the LEFT say BEFORE and say 2,3,4,6..

pictures if you have NO clue what i am talking about.... basically what i am saying is, my timing tab has "before" written on it, on the LEFT side of the 0*. Does this mean my timing tab is incorrect? or did i put my timing tape wrong?

http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/o.../6DSC01137.jpg

I'll take a stab here, but I hope someone jumps on and confirms or says I'm an idiot. I have not used timing tape in the past. My timing light has a knob on it to set the advance and I just use the TDC timing marks. It looks to me like you did it correctly. First, did you confirm you were at TDC with a piston? If so, look at your picture. When you time the engine and advance the timing before TDC the timing mark on the balancer would move to the left. This puts you in the area labeled "before" on your tab. This will in turn bring the numbers on the tape to the left under the tab. You will read the tape comparing the 0 or TDC mark on the tab to the numbers on the tape. For example, if you were to set the timing to 12deg BTDC the 12 on the tape would be lined up with the 0 on the tab and the TDC on the tape would be lined up with the 12 on the tab. So, I think you have it. This is just me reasoning through it. Does anyone second my motion? I hope you get her sorted out soon, time to enjoy. Good luck.:cheers:

By the way, I would really recommend purchasing a timing light with an advance dial. They are so worth the 100 or so bucks.

Yep, use the timing tab and your 0 mark on the balancer or your timing tape and your 0 mark on you timing tab. For total timing you will have no choice but to use the timing tape and the 0 mark on the timing tab. Timing is not affected by open headers. Timing is timing. Frank was talking about carb adjustments.

Exactly.

You are both correct with your report.

thank you, thank you, and thank you, lol..

good weather today, i will do what i can tonight, be back with teh results.

alright fellas, this is what i got..

at 3000 rpm, i have it at 36* btdc, pushing it down to idle, i am on 18*, with an idle of around 800-900 rpm, this is without advance..

with advance, i idle around 19-20*...

i put it in drive, and dont get a jerk, and runs and starts perfectly now, starts right up without a struggling cranking or bad turn over..

but again, with my car, it isnt right until i get a problem once again! my trans pressure pipe is now leaking. the pipe that leads to my radiator for a cooling..

now question is.. can i block these tubes for the time being, until i get new pipes ordered? I will not be doing an drag or strip racing, just casual driving to and from work during the summer times...

Good to hear Vic....

Now --- Make certain your VACUUM ADVANCE is plug into the port with no vacuum at idle... you should have TWO ports (small tube - say 3/16) - one is PORTED (vacuum at idle) and one is UNPORTED (NO vacuum at idle) ----- You want the UNPORTED for your advance. This gives you vacuum only when the throttle blades are "being used" or in other words - you're doing something more than idling. That will / should lower your idle timing back to the 18* - which with your motor - and a street motor - is all you need.

NOW --- Leaking tranny lines -- NO you can't plug them and drive around... you'll burn up your tranny. Just fix it.