When i set my timing with a timing light... Do I hook it to the #1 spark plug or something else?

Question

This is in a Chevy 350 engine!! My vacum is 18 when im in park and 13 when in gear.....Is that good???? I also need to know were to hook the timing light to? #1 spark plug or distributor, or something else????? Should i set the timing when it is in gear or when it is in neutral? Needs some helpful tips on how to make the timing process go smoother!!! Thanks a lot... Professionals please thank you=)

Answer 1

Clip your timing light lead to the number 1 spark plug wire. If it has a vacuum line going to the distributor, pull that off the distributor and plug it while you set the timing. Set the timing while it is idling.  

Answer 2

Chevy V-8 ignition sequence is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. That means that the number one cyclinder is the first to receive spark, that also means it's your timing reference point so that's the plug wire you want to connect your timing light to. The person posting above me is also correct in that if you have a vacuum-advanced distributor you will need to disconnect the vacuum line before setting your timing. However, the actual timing can vary depending on many factors such as headers VS exhaust manifolds, how aggressive of a cam you have installed, etc... Best advice is to look at the engine block and find the three letter code. Search for that three letter code along with the keywords 'chevrolet engine code'. Use that info to find out where the factory setting for your engine was. That you can play with until you get the throttle response, fuel mileage, lack of knocking/pinging, or whatever it is you're after. Example, my 1970 Chevelle has an L-81 (V-8 350) out of an '81 Corvette as indicated by the ZDD engine code stamped into the block. I can't recall off hand what I have my timing set at but I think it's around 8° before TDC. Good luck!

Answer 3

hook the cable to the #1 spark plug small block cheveys run at 6 degrees before top dead center the timing marks on the timing cover should have the marks on it.  

Answer 4

The spark plug wire lead on an inductive timing light hooks up to the #1 plug wire, the hot lead can go to your alternator, and the ground to a good ground point on the chassis.... If you have a dial type timing light, set the pointer on the timing chain cover to zero on the balancer, run the RPM up to 2500 and hold it there to set your total advance, which for a street car without many modifications can be 10 to 12 total degrees. Sounds like your vacuum is normal for a street motor with a mild cam and not too much else.