Base timing on TB 5 Chevy V8 350/383 Carburated?

[tank1949]

My book explains how to set base timing on motors but only refers to timing tab diagram that shows 8 degrees advanced, after grounding a specific colored coil wire. It does NOT say 8 degrees, but tab is marked at 8 degrees. I assume 8 degrees, then???

 

[alldodge]

8 degrees BTDC yes

 

[achris]

My book explains how to set base timing on motors but only refers to timing tab diagram that shows 8 degrees advanced, after grounding a specific colored coil wire. It does NOT say 8 degrees, but tab is marked at 8 degrees. I assume 8 degrees, then???

If all you have is a line on the balancer and a notch on the timing cover, they line up at 0 degrees. Use either an advance timing light, timing tap or a bit of simple maths to work out where 8 degrees is.

If it's that you're not sure what your advance should be, you're going to have to find that serial number and we can help. Some were 8, some 10, some different again. Without knowing exactly which engine you have, it's a complete guess.

Chris..........

 

[Scott Danforth]

8 degrees with a stock motor and stock exhaust.

however I remember that your motor may not be stock

 

[tank1949]

Thanks to all and trying to get detailed information from former owner has been challenging. Tabs are all bolted on chain cover and appear to be just as manual's diagram. I suspect I will mark everything for future reference, once I get motors completely installed. Motors are a little performance advanced, but maybe 320 hp each, according to former owner.