Y-BLOCK GURU's I have a timing question

I have a timing question.. I have a stock 292 y-block with a 2 barrel and 3 speed, no power barkes/steering or anything like that..I'm still running a single exhaust and a points ignition.. BAsically its as stock as the day it rolled off the line .So Myy question is I want to get this thing purring like a kitten.. SO what is the prefered degree of timing, and what should the valves be adjusted to.. And if there is any Y-Block GURU's near Cincinnati, I would gladly take care of you if you would have a few hours to spare one evening/sat/sunday to meet up and give me some valuable insight on getting this thing right.. It runns good, I just want to make it perfect(or as close as possible..lol) Thanks in advance, for any info you guys are willing to thro w my way.. ryan

 

What year is the engine, and does it have a Load-o-Matic distributor?

Depending on what you have, there are some different routes to take.

If you aren't sure about the year, see if you can get the casting numbers off the block.

 

y/blocks seem to like base timing around 10 degrees,at 750-800 rpm idle. stock cam 019 on int. and exh.

 

Check timing with a vacuum gauge

 

Y Block's run like a Swiss watch...get the timing right and you'll understand.

 

Its a 64 292, as far as the distributor, not sure on the make and model.. I will find out.. I do know that with the dist. hold down lose, it was a ***** to move the distributor body.. I had to grab it with a pair of channel locks to rotate it a little bit.. It runs good now but I just don't think its right..

 

I got the valves adjusted to .19 intake and exhaust. I replaced the points, condensor, plugs and cap, I am ready to set the timing, is it best to set the timing with the va***e advance un-plugged and capped, or leave connected.. I am no mechanic, what may seem like stupid questions to you might save a dummy like me in the long run..lol

 

Oh and where is the best place to tap into for a mechanical oil pressure gauge, and a water temp, as I want to put my gauge set in the truck for some more accurate info while driving, other than the idiot lights...

 

Leave it hooked up. It don't really matter anyway.

 

K just curious, I have heard conflicting reports.. I have always left it hooked up on my other junk, but figured I'd ask..

 

Basic timing is set with vacuum advance disconnected and blocked. Also use correct curb idle so the centrifugal advance will not cut in.

 

There is a oil line in the block on the drivers side. The idiot light sender is located in this line. There are two or three plugs in the line. If you can get one of theme out you can put your oil line there. If you can't get one out (and they are a ***** to do so), get a Tee fitting that will accept both the oil line for the mechanical gauge and the factory sending unit and put it in the hole that the factory sender was in.

Put in a volt meter (don't put in an amp meter) for the generator/alternator.

Look at the water pump on the drivers side. Is there a plug there? You can put the mechanical water temp there.

Timing is set with the vacuum line off the distributor and plugged.

 

Paul, thanks so much for the info.. as soon as I get a free day I plan on doing this install.... This is a big help for me... Ryan