Jim Kennedy

Hello, I recently purchased a 1976 Cutlass Supreme and today I am checking the timing on the Rocket 350. It appears that the timing is at 8 degrees from TDC... said another way, the line is dead on the fourth "peak" of the indicator tab. MY QUESTION IS: Is that correct, or, is there a more appropriate setting?

In case it was not clear, the engine was updated by someone prior to me with an electronic distributor vs. the points, etc. Further, the vacuum hose is disconnected and plugged and the Old Gal is plenty warm.

Thanks if you have an answer and I'll get back to you if you have a question.

oldcutlass

Which distributor are you running?

Jim Kennedy

Delco Remy is what I see stamped into the distributor.

oldcutlass

Is it a large cap hei or a stock points distributor with a pertronix installed? Post a picture of it if your not sure.

Jim Kennedy

oldcutlass

With the HEI distributor the stock timing settings are n/a. You want to set your timing to 16/18* before tdc. It's hard to do it without a dial back timing light. Then you need to limit your vacuum advance to 10*.

Jim Kennedy

Thank you. Much appreciated!

Fun71

While the recommended timing settings are accurate, it should be noted that in 1976 the HEI was the "stock" distributor as points had been phased out by then.

oldcutlass

I didn't even think about the year...