The Ford Barn

poolplayer1 · 12-01-2019, 01:24 PM

I was checking the timing on my 302 engine yesterday and noticed that I have the timing at 10 degrees before top dead center. This is a complete rebuilt engine. I have heard of guys setting the time at TDC on an engine like this so I thought i would ask you guys what the timing should be set at.
Should I set it to tdc or just leave it at 10 btdc? Thank you for your help.

dmsfrr · 12-01-2019, 04:29 PM

The timing may be just fine where it is, especially if it's been running without noticeable problems.

Assuming it has the original distributor & ignition system, look up the tune-up specs for the year of the engine and follow them.

Knowing the year of the engine and any performance parts changes beyond stock will be helpful.

scicala · 12-01-2019, 04:51 PM

My old Ford Motorcraft specs manual says 6 degrees BTDC for all 302's from '68 through '72. I don't have any specs beyond that year. I'm sure 10 degrees is just fine unless you get spark knock under load.

Sal

40cpe · 12-01-2019, 06:28 PM

It is important to check total advance as well as initial. IIRC, total mechanical and initial should be 36-38 degrees. When the vacuum is connected it can be around 50 degrees. I ran a 302 on regular gas for many years with good mileage in a '40 coupe. Before ethanol I would always get 19-20 on the road running 70 or above.

poolplayer1 · 12-02-2019, 11:44 AM

Thanks to all for your response. The engine is a 1968. I might try to change to 6 degrees to see if there is any difference in performance.It is running ok at 10 but will try 6 just for the heck of it. I am also going to check the total timing to see where its at.

scicala · 12-02-2019, 01:15 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

If it runs good at 10 degrees, 6 degrees won't be any better and maybe even a very slight drop in fuel economy.

Sal

50fordcoupeman · 12-04-2019, 08:38 PM

My 302 is a stock 1971 and I believe it is set at 10 degrees. It runs strong with no overheating or pinging issues.

12-01-2019, 01:24 PM	#1
poolplayer1 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 399	55 with a 302 engine/ Timing question. I was checking the timing on my 302 engine yesterday and noticed that I have the timing at 10 degrees before top dead center. This is a complete rebuilt engine. I have heard of guys setting the time at TDC on an engine like this so I thought i would ask you guys what the timing should be set at. Should I set it to tdc or just leave it at 10 btdc? Thank you for your help.

12-01-2019, 04:29 PM	#2
dmsfrr Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Abq, NM Posts: 3,607	Re: 55 with a 302 engine/ Timing question. The timing may be just fine where it is, especially if it's been running without noticeable problems. Assuming it has the original distributor & ignition system, look up the tune-up specs for the year of the engine and follow them. Knowing the year of the engine and any performance parts changes beyond stock will be helpful.

12-01-2019, 04:51 PM	#3
scicala Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Detroit suburb, MI Posts: 3,698	Re: 55 with a 302 engine/ Timing question. My old Ford Motorcraft specs manual says 6 degrees BTDC for all 302's from '68 through '72. I don't have any specs beyond that year. I'm sure 10 degrees is just fine unless you get spark knock under load. Sal

12-01-2019, 06:28 PM	#4
40cpe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Star, MS Posts: 4,024	Re: 55 with a 302 engine/ Timing question. It is important to check total advance as well as initial. IIRC, total mechanical and initial should be 36-38 degrees. When the vacuum is connected it can be around 50 degrees. I ran a 302 on regular gas for many years with good mileage in a '40 coupe. Before ethanol I would always get 19-20 on the road running 70 or above.

12-02-2019, 11:44 AM	#5
poolplayer1 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 399	Re: 55 with a 302 engine/ Timing question. Thanks to all for your response. The engine is a 1968. I might try to change to 6 degrees to see if there is any difference in performance.It is running ok at 10 but will try 6 just for the heck of it. I am also going to check the total timing to see where its at.

12-02-2019, 01:15 PM	#6
scicala Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Detroit suburb, MI Posts: 3,698	Re: 55 with a 302 engine/ Timing question. Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) If it runs good at 10 degrees, 6 degrees won't be any better and maybe even a very slight drop in fuel economy. Sal

12-04-2019, 08:38 PM	#7
50fordcoupeman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: LaGrande Oregon Posts: 865	Re: 55 with a 302 engine/ Timing question. My 302 is a stock 1971 and I believe it is set at 10 degrees. It runs strong with no overheating or pinging issues.