Flathead Timing, what's the proper BTDC?

So the info I have says I should set the timing to 2 Degrees BTDC at 475 RPM for my manual trans 50 flathead 8BA motor. I am running Edelbrock heads, 2 94's, and Mallory Electronic (not dual point) ignition.

2 Degrees BTDC seems like nothing. Almost too small to measure. That's why I'm asking.

Thanks,


Mike

 

All early flatheads call for 4 degrees, and that works out about right for most people. Any spec is just a place to start experimenting with your engine's preferences, anyway.
Check out the amount and rate of advance in your Mallory--many late ones have WAY too much total, and also come in too slowly.

 

Use a timing light and just line up the needle with the timing mark on the crank pulley. The Ford timing mark on an 8BA already has the proper idle advance built into it (4 degrees), although there is wiggle room for manufacturing error.

 

[ QUOTE ]
Use a timing light and just line up the needle with the timing mark on the crank pulley. The Ford timing mark on an 8BA already has the proper idle advance built into it (4 degrees), although there is wiggle room for manufacturing error.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for the heads up, guys. I didn't know that the timing mark had the 4 degrees built into it. Seems odd.

Mike

 

Myself and Vonhotrod just timed my flaty in my 49 shoebox. Stock ignition, we set it intial 10 idle with a total of 20 at advance. Hope that helps. you do have stock ig. right?

 

What cam are you running? Set my 59a flatty up on a dyno, best results we got for power and driveabilty was setting timing at 7 degrees initial and 27 degrees full. That was running 2 97's and a mallory dizzy. That was running a full race cam which makes a difference.