VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 ignition timing

Looking for info on ignition timing on a 235. Had to replace a bad engine in a 51 Bel Air. Found a 62 235 ready to go for a good price. I replaced the 216 with the 235. To stay with the original equipment ( 6 volt starter , bell housing and flywheel ) is the ball in the 216 flywheel at top dead center when bolted to the 235 ? The 216 49 to 52 is timed different than the 53 engine. The 62 235 timing is set right when the ball is at the pointer. Is this correct using the 216 flywheel ?

Your best bet would be to use a vacuum gauge to set the timing. You could set up a dial indicator and find top dead center and make a new mark on the flywheel.

How would you use a vacuum gage ? Thanks.

Attach a vacuum gauge to a manifold vacuum source ( where the windshield wiper motor hose is attached at the manifold), and set the timing where the manifold vacuum is highest. You may also have to turn your idle speed down a little at a time as you go. 17 to to 20 inches of vacuum is a good starting point.

Thanks

Set the timing as advanced as possible - just so the engine dosen't ping or turn over hard (slow) when starting. Do not use a 216 distributor as it has too much centrifical advance for a later 235.

That may be the answer ! I'll have to look to see if I can tell the difference between the two distributors. It's been a year and a half sense I put the engine in . I might have used the 216 distributor ! It starts and runs good, at fast idle it is not smooth as a stove bolt should be. If I had the two in front of me how I tell the difference ? Thanks

The distributor should have a part number on the side. If you post it someone will help identify it for you.

The distributor I have in my 51 = model # 1112403 ser # OD 113. No tags on the outside. (remember I am using a 62 235 ) I also have for parts a 1112403 IE19 and a 1112363 IK26. What engine and years are these for ? Thanks.

The "403" was used from 1955 and up. As older distributors were dropped it was sold for replacement for as far back as 1940. It was not "good" for the older models that required more centrifical advance but Chevrolet didn't care because few were sold for the older models and it made the engine run.
The 1112363 was used on 1951 and 1952 235 engines.

Thanks for the help . I think next I'll try setting the timing by a vacuum guage.