I have a 1969 chev with a 427 390 hp holly carb 4 speed trans and would like to know the best timming for street use . ichanged the dist and dont know what the timming should be set at . thanks Ted
It's trial and error. If it's a stock points style ignition start with factory settings. If it's an aftermarket electronic ignition, you'll need to know how much vacuum, mechanical or electronic advance there is. Most street engines work best with around 32 to 36 degrees total advance. So you use a timing light to set basic timing at 10 to 14 degrees BTDC, and find out how much vaccum, mechanical or electronic advance there is by 4500 RPM ( it's usually best to have all the advance in by 3600 RPM for a street or strip car). Then reset idle speed and use a stopwatch to test 0 - 60 MPH times and go with what setting gives you the fastest time without pinging. Maybe even a couple more degrees retarded for street use on pump gas ( you can always bump it up a few degrees at the track or when using octane boosters).
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