Thread: Big Block Basics

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I hope your not still using pump gas! Another thing I would look at is Valve timing, if this thing has been sitting around awhile, try Degreeing in the cam to spec and be sure. Then most important, use timing tape on the damper and time your rat to 38 degrees total advance, then at the best idle you can get with vacuum unhooked, check the initial ignition timing on the tape at the Vibration Damper. And there you have it, the magic timing mark for your very own Rat Motor. All kidding aside...page 2-22 in the Chevrolet Power Service Manual, (otherwise known as the Chevy Power Book) typical spark curve for a big block chev racing engine is 38 degrees at 3000 RPM. Now this is total timing advance, so be sure to have vacuum hooked.