timing question

[jim]

I've asked previously, but can't find the answer. 
What should the timing be?  TFI, ECM Test, Motorcraft carb.
8 before seems familiar but I'm not sure.
I will need to know for both the 83 and the 88, 4.2 in both.  I would think it would be the same for both.

[AMCKen]

I adjust mine to as far as it will go without pinging when working hot a full throttle.

[EAGLER]

10 degrees btdc is the correct way`plus 2 degrees up to 2500 meters but 10 is ok with the vaccum plugged off

[GRONK]

Timing depends on your elevation.

After the N U T T E R bypass, you will use ported vacuum for the distributor.

With no vac to the dist (for setting timing) you will set your timing at 650 RPM's.  At 0' elevation you will be at 8-9deg BTDC.  for every 1000' increase in elevation you will increase 1deg.

Example, at 650 RPM and at 5000' elevation, your base tining will be set at 13-14deg BTDC

Remember each tic is 2deg.  I use a light and set it that way.  I usually have to adjust by feel after the initial set.  A vac gauge is another way to set but not one I'm an expert on by any means.  I've always used the light method and it works well.

After setting your base timing you can reconnect the vacuum to the distributor.

Remember the timing reading is at 650RPM.   As you increase your timing you will need to decrease your idle speed to maintan the idle RPM's at 650.

[carnuck]

I set the timing by ear then adjust the idle speed.

[jim]

Now I know why I couldn't find my previous thread about this.  It's in Engine Electrical.  No matter - different Eagle, different carb, etc.

Now for the next question - how do I make it slow down to 650 RPM? 

Since the new carb it idles at 1300 - 1500.  I have been reluctant to try to change the idle with the carb.  It was supposed to be set right when it arrived.

[jim]

Yes, the 2150.  It runs so very well other than the idle speed I've been reluctant to mess with it.  I've wondered if it may involve the old linkage to the carb.

[jim]

On the 88:
it doesn't have an idle problem.   It has the new Motorcraft, computer bypass, TFI.
It ran great at lower speeds but sputtered and bogged at 30 - 35.
I tried turning the dist to match the 83, which runs great except for the fast idle.
It wouldn't run at all that way.  I tried to set it back where it was but can't get it right.
It has only about 10 lb vac but I haven't been able to find a leak.
Maybe I disconnected something I shouldn't have when I installed the new carb.

[GRONK]

Jim,  email me some pics.  Should be simple to sort.  [email protected]

[jim]

I have a couple of threads going with 2 Eagles and different but related issues.  I'm locking the old threads and starting over.  I need to deal with one thing at a time.  I apologize for letting these threads get cross threaded (pun intended).