What Should Total Timing be for a 5.7?

[par1969]

Hi Everyone, I have not posted yet but have been a member for a while as I worked to put a new engine in a 1978 19' Searay openbow. It originally had a 898 Chevy 305. I have replaced it with a standard chevy 350/4brl. with a marine cam from Comp. Cams. My question is what should the initial timing and total timing be for the engine? I am a car guy so if it was a car I would start with 8 initial add 28-30 mechanical all in by 2800rpm, for a total of 36-38 degrees. Would this be O.K. for the boat or should I have different specs? I searched and could find info on initial timing but not total timing. Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[Uraijit]

Re: What Should Total Timing be for a 5.7?

Do you have a manual?

 

[wca_tim]

Re: What Should Total Timing be for a 5.7?

most tuners bump a couple of degrees at a time until performance doesn't increase and then drop back 2 degrees for good measure.

what ignition do you have?

 

[John_S]

Re: What Should Total Timing be for a 5.7?

The total you quoted is too much for most stock type marine engines. Most are around 30-34 degrees total advance. I'd start on the low side. Graduate toward the high side, especially if you are running hiher octane 91-93.

 

[par1969]

Re: What Should Total Timing be for a 5.7?

I have a aftermarket service manual but it only mentions initial advance. I am currently running the original points style distributor. I am hoping to purchase an electronic distributor in the near future. Running less advance like you mention 30-34, makes sense based on the much greater load on a marine engine. Thanks for the information.