Well,

If you all read my prebious two posts, then you would know that I could not get my engine to run, it would just backfire throught the carb. Well I couldn't find the stock timing tab so I bought one from AutoZone, that didn't work, had EVERYTHING right, still nothing. Well, I was ready to pull her out, guess what I find behind the water pump????? THE REAL TIMING TAB, it was directly behind the pump so you have to look down from atop, instead of what I am used to looking from the side. Does this tell me anything about the engine? Well, it runs now, still backfires at high revs though. What do all you guys set you timing at idle? Thanks for all the suggestions guys, later

BamaZ28

------------------
1981 Pontiac FB originally V6, converted to SBC (HEI), Performer RPM, Holley 750 Vac Sec., Chrome Dress up, True Duals

 

Glad you got it running.
You might pull your spark plugs out at some point and take a look at them. You might have fouled them during all of those attempts to start the motor. They may need a little cleaning to help get rid of those backfiring problems. Of course, it might be something else. I usually set my timing a few degrees more advanced than what the factory settings are. I think I'm currently around 10-12 degress advanced.

Bill B.

------------------
'69 Camaro SS396 with '81 305:
stock except for Performer intake, 600 Holley vacuum (modded), Perf. Dist. HEI, 1-5/8" headers & 2-1/2" exhaust/turbo mufflers,
beefed TH 400 tranny with 11" street convertor & B&M Quicksilver
3.08 posi 12-bolt
P235/45/17 and P275/40/17 Kuhmos on 8x17 Wheel Vintiques rallys
H.O. Racing front coils, Flex-a-Form fiberglass leafs, Herb Adams VSE body bushings and frt. sway bar, '79 T/A P/S box, power disc front brakes w/metallic pads

 

Does the fact that the timing tab was in a different spot tell me anything about the engine?

 

Well, my 305 motor came out of an '81 pickup truck and the timing tab is in the middle the same as yours. I think more than anything, it might give you an idea of what year the motor is. But I'm not sure when they started putting the tab in the middle. I know it wasn't like that on the '69 models, but I'm not sure when they changed it.

Hope that helps!
Bill B.

------------------
'69 Camaro SS396 with '81 305:
stock except for Performer intake, 600 Holley vacuum (modded), Perf. Dist. HEI, 1-5/8" headers & 2-1/2" exhaust/turbo mufflers,
beefed TH 400 tranny with 11" street convertor & B&M Quicksilver
3.08 posi 12-bolt
P235/45/17 and P275/40/17 Kuhmos on 8x17 Wheel Vintiques rallys
H.O. Racing front coils, Flex-a-Form fiberglass leafs, Herb Adams VSE body bushings and frt. sway bar, '79 T/A P/S box, power disc front brakes w/metallic pads

 

The vast majority of engines that I have found with that timing index have been 305s (or smaller emissiosn motors- 267, 262s, etc). I've heard that some 350s had it there, too, but I've never run into one myself.

 

Ive seen a handfull of 350s witch had the timing tab behind the water pump..I think myself it was only later models wich the accesory brackets made it impossible to put it in the regular spot..Either that or im figureing that i has to do with the later balancers diameter change and gm swapping to externally balanced engines..

------------------
FLUCK A SPELL CHECK<I CAN SPELL REALLY GOOD< IT'S JUST THE TYPEING THAT STINK AT!

http://phillyfabanddesign.tripod.com/parts4sale/

http://phillyfabanddesign.tripod.com/phillyfabricationanddesign/

http://phillyfabanddesign.tripod.com/PhillyFabsLT1RX7/id1.html

88 RX7 GTU, 97 Lt1/700R4,10" 3K stall, 4.30 gears,285CFM heads,12.4-1 compression, custom cam and 2700lbs...Daily driven!

 

Thanks Everyone,

I am still looking for the block casting numbers. They are not in the usual front passenger place. The intake was stamped with a number I can't reference as were the heads. The number on the heads started with 140041*** I cant remember the last three. Anyways, Thanks for all the help. I am putting in new carpet and interior beginning of next month, and some headers. My plans are to drive the engine that is in there while I redo all the cosmetics to my taste. I'll keep you all updated, thanks again

BamaZ28

------------------
1981 Pontiac FB originally V6, converted to SBC (HEI), Performer RPM, Holley 750 Vac Sec., Chrome Dress up, True Duals

 

AFAIK, I have always found the casting numbers for the BLOCK on the drivers side rear - right up next to the firewall...facing up. HTH.



------------------
Richard

--- --- --- ---
<A HREF="http://www.freewebz.com/myredws6/" TARGET=_blank>- '91 Formula 350 WS6 -
</A>
Mods: Flowmaster
208.4 RWHP 302.4 RWTQ
Best ET: 14.37@95mph
107,000 miles and counting...
- '73 Camaro LT -

 

I have an 81 z with the original 350 and the timing tab is behind the water pump.

 

I have 5 305 engines. all of them out of 79 and 80 camaros. every single one of them you have to look down the top between the water pump to see. that is the stock location of the thing. Even says so in the book for my 80 camaro.

On that note. the 3 engines i cave for my 3rd gens are the exact same way too.

 

Glad ya got her running

8-10 degrees for a stock motor should do you fine.