Inliners International Forums General Discussion Hi Performance Timing

Anyone got any info on timing a 261 with Multiple Carbs. I have a 58 261 with 2-1s and Fenton Exhaust. Was wondering if the Timing should be advanced from stock? Chopt39

Chop, with the vehicle warm and running at idle or just above, slowly advance the timing at the distributor and listen to the engine. You'll reach a point where the engine's idling does not continue to improve,smooth out. Back off slightly and try it.

I've got a 235 with an RV cam, two single barrel Rochester's on a Fenton intake and headers. I've had a number of "opportunities" to get this system running smoothly. Other issues to think about could be:

Do you have vacuum advance on your distributor? If not you need it.

Are the carburetors balanced using a Uni-Sync?

Have you verified your system does not have any vacuum leaks by using starting fluid to check your carb and intake connections for leaks?

Good luck and have fun,

Ted

Thanks Ted for the information, I will try your tips. I haven't balanced the carbs, will try that with a vacume gauge. Do have a vac-advance which seems to be working as it should. I will check for leaks. The timing is like the old school of taking the distributor to where you get the best vacume and then taking back down 4 inches of vac. Thanks again I really appreciate it. chopt39

Invest in a uni-Syn to balance the carbs. they turn up used on ebay once in a while and are not that expensive new. You will be happy you did. Makes synching in the carbs an enjoyable experience. My 235 motors all seemed to like, with hotted up cams, something like 3 to 6 degrees advance. Before I had a dial back timing light, I would simply advance the distributor a little at a time until the motor pinged, then backed it off a little.

I want to thank you guys for the info. I set things up with a vacumn gauge, both carbs to best vacumn and then the distributor. Funny thing with the distributor, I turned it to best vacumn and was about to tighten the bolt and let go and it backed off 1" and was set at 19, so I said that works for me. This is the way I used to set up the timing before I had a light and it always worked fine. I guess my next project is to come up with a water heat for the intake. all works fine except it does cough once in awhile when I crack the throttle to downshift. Will have to look for one of those tools, uni-Syn, have thought about buying one for a long time, but never did. Just for jollies, does anyone know if the Ring gear and Pinion on a 55-64 chevy car fit into the case of the 55-60 truck? I was looking at the gear set the other day when I changed the oil and it looks the same as the drop in for the car. I know the case is different but the gears look the same. I thought it would be an easy way to change over to something better that would lower the RPM at speed. Just a thought, but was wondering if anyone might know. Thanks again for the input.

give Patrick Dykes a call at Patrick's, 520-836-1117. I've been doing business with him for most of 20 years and he's always come through for me.

Have a great holiday season,

Ted