tuneup specs for sbc and dwell question

Here's what I got, 87 350, points dist. stock engine, need to know
(1)what points, plugs should be gapped at and
(2) can dwell be set with a possible vac/carb problem? I have 1 and 8 cyl on 1 side burning cooler, and 4 and 6 on the other doing the same thing. The real ***** is the timing pointer is at the top of the timing chain cover, and with a short pump, you can't see the mark, so I am going to have to get another pointer and some tape. I messed with the dwell some without a meter, and it runs alot better, but still not where it should be. Thanks
Scott

 

I have never seen a stock 87 SBC 350 with a points type distributor.

I ran my dwell @ 30 degrees and plugs @ .035 on most of the older stuff.

 

I changed to points cause the smaller dist....

 

bttt

 

point gap @ .016 (old) to .019 (new)
dwell 28 to 32 deg.
spark plug gap .035 (point dist) .045 to .055 (hei)
also sbc have odd and even banks (1,3,5,7 drivers), (2,4,6,8 p***.)
your going to have a hard time if you have a vacuum leak.
i believe those take the smaller tapered plug (like a r44t)

 

1oldtimer got the specs right on for ya...

Just wanted to add that you set your dwell BEFORE you set your timing.

(Dwell affects timing, but timing doesn't affect dwell).

Your dwell setting is a mechanical setting, it will take even if the engine isn't running exactly right. However, as stated, a poor vacuum signal will make for erratic spark timing with the vacuum advance hooked up.