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  •  » Initial Timing for INstalling Distributor

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    5/31/2020 12:48 PM  #1

    TremendousWand
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    Registered: 5/16/2013
    Posts: 657

    Initial Timing for INstalling Distributor

    1966 Mustang Coupe, 1988 5.0 Swap, GT40 Heads, EFI, MAF, T5z

    I'm installing my distributor again after swapping heads.

    I have the balancer marked for TDC. In terms of aligning the rotor to cylinder 1 on the distributor, should I set it at the initial timing or just TDC?  Meaning, should I set it at 10 degrees BTDC and then align the rotor to cylinder one or just leave it at exactly TDC?

    Thank you

     

    5/31/2020 5:23 PM  #2

    RV6
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    From: Pine Junction, CO
    Registered: 3/01/2016
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    Re: Initial Timing for INstalling Distributor

    If you have points this is easy. Set the balancer to 12 BTDC and hook up a VOM to the points. Twist the distributor till the points open. Whala, you are now set at 12 BTDC. 

    Gary Zilik - Pine Junction, Colorado - 67 Coupe, 289-4V, T5
     

    5/31/2020 6:14 PM  #3

    TKOPerformance
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    From: Newark, DE
    Registered: 12/15/2014
    Posts: 7,511

    Re: Initial Timing for INstalling Distributor

    Remember timing needs to be set with the engine at operating temperature.  I drop a new distributor in a new engine at TDC, because I know it will fire.  I always make my plug wires such that if I had to move them one terminal either way they would still work and not be banjo tight.  Once its running and warmed up I can fine tune it.  If you have a EFI 5.0 I believe the factory setting was 10 degrees BTDC.  They will make a bit more power and run a little better at more like 12-14 degrees BTDC.  Make sure you are setting timing with the inline spout connector removed. 

     

    5/31/2020 7:10 PM  #4

    50vert
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    From: QLD Australia
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Initial Timing for INstalling Distributor

    TKO, I think the 12-14 degree thing is a leftover from the early days of fox 5.0s.
    These days, I doubt you'll find a reputable tuner that thinks it's a good idea.
    If you have the ability to tune the ECU, leave it at 10, if you don't have the equipment to tune, leave it at 10.

    "Those telephone poles were like a picket fence"
     

    5/31/2020 7:15 PM  #5

    Bullet Bob
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    From: Montrose, Colorado
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Initial Timing for INstalling Distributor

    The book says to set the dizzy so that when at #1 TDC Compression with the rotor at the #1 spot on the cap, the angle between the front of the manifold water neck surface and the TFI should be 125 degrees, I think, don't have the book handy right now.  But that will get you pointed in the right direction and will insure there is plenty of room to dial in 10 degrees BTDC once it fires.  As TKO says, be sure to have the "Spout" plug pulled when setting initial timing.  Also, with the EFI you must set it this way so the rotor is pointing at the NO. 1 on the rotor.  This insures that the ECM will know where #1 is as all timing events are based on No. 1.

    BB1

    Last edited by Bullet Bob (5/31/2020 7:17 PM)

    "you get what you pay for, good work isn't cheap, and there are NO free lunches...PERIOD!"
     

    6/01/2020 5:48 AM  #6

    TKOPerformance
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    From: Newark, DE
    Registered: 12/15/2014
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    Re: Initial Timing for INstalling Distributor

    50vert wrote:

    TKO, I think the 12-14 degree thing is a leftover from the early days of fox 5.0s.
    These days, I doubt you'll find a reputable tuner that thinks it's a good idea.
    If you have the ability to tune the ECU, leave it at 10, if you don't have the equipment to tune, leave it at 10.

    Its a leftover for people who can't tune the ECU.  If you can tune the ECU there's no need to touch the distributor other than to set base timing.  There's also no need to adjust the fuel pressure or TPS voltage. 

    However, it still works for those who can't.  Numerous passes down the 1/4 mile saw a consistent 0.10 reduction in ET by bumping the timing up. 
     

     

    6/01/2020 8:08 AM  #7

    TremendousWand
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    Registered: 5/16/2013
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    Re: Initial Timing for INstalling Distributor

    TKOPerformance wrote:

    Remember timing needs to be set with the engine at operating temperature.  I drop a new distributor in a new engine at TDC, because I know it will fire.  I always make my plug wires such that if I had to move them one terminal either way they would still work and not be banjo tight.  Once its running and warmed up I can fine tune it.  If you have a EFI 5.0 I believe the factory setting was 10 degrees BTDC.  They will make a bit more power and run a little better at more like 12-14 degrees BTDC.  Make sure you are setting timing with the inline spout connector removed. 

    I realized that when I set up the distribute and marked the balance for TDC, I didn't take note if it was on the compression stroke.  Right now the rotor is aligned at the #1 cylinder at TDC, but it could be the wrong stroke.

    1) Is this bad?
    2) Is there anyway of figuring this out w/o taking the distributor off and doing this all over again?
    3) If I try to start the car and it wasn't aligned correctly could I cause any catastrophic issues?
     

       •Thread Starter
     

    6/01/2020 8:55 AM  #8

    Rudi
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    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Initial Timing for INstalling Distributor

    Don’t even think of trying to start it, go back to square one.

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    6/01/2020 9:56 AM  #9

    TKOPerformance
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    From: Newark, DE
    Registered: 12/15/2014
    Posts: 7,511

    Re: Initial Timing for INstalling Distributor

    Pull the #1 plug and roll the engine over by hand with your thumb over the plug hole.  You'll feel the compression build as it comes up on the compression stroke.  TDC on that stroke it #1 TDC compression.  Set the rotor accordingly by reinstalling the distributor if needed. 

     

     

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