The Camaro Club (UK)

Sorry for a stupid question, but can anyone recommend the best timing for my engine. I realise they're all different, but I'd like someone with more experience to give me a baseline if that's OK?

My car is ex-california, so had all the smog stuff installed originally. Spec in the engine bay says to set the timing at 4deg which I've now done at the same time as replacing the entire dizzy. It runs better than it did before, but still 'holds back' and splutters / backfires a little at higher revs, I think it's probably over fueling a bit but I'd like to eliminate timing first as I can adjust that for free!

All the smog stuff is now removed, as is the A/C. The exhaust is now long tube headers into 2.5" pipe (cats removed). Carb is a Holley 600cfm on an Edlebrock Performer (non EGR) intake. Dizzy is an MSD HEI setup (running standard 22deg vacuum advance at present).

The engine (thought I should mention that!) is an otherwise standard 1980 305 LG4 in a 1980 2nd gen.

I'd imagine non-california cars ran different timing, can anyone tell me what that might be? I'm thinking 4deg is not enough for my car now. I know I could keep moving it until it pinks, but hoped someone could give me a good baseline to start with.

If I don't get anywhere I'll take it to a local rolling road and get them to check the fueling while running

Thanks in advance!

10-12 deg at idle with the vac disconnected.

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My '80 progress thread - hugger orange! Now with LQ9 power - forged pistons, LS2 rods, 236/242, .621/.612, flowed and milled 317 heads. MS3X

4L80e, 12 bolt, 4.11, Moroso brute strength posi, steel shafts.

Subframe connectors, g-braces, solid body bushes, carbon hood and front bumper, custom door cards, Autometer gauges.

Nice one, many thanks!

Will adjust tonight and see how he drives

And plugged, otherwise you have a vac leak which will affect the fuelling.