VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Timing for a 216?

Does anyone know the correct timing for a 216? I have a '38 3/4 ton Chevy Pickup with the original block but has been redone about 15 years ago. Just want to check to make sure my timing is spot on. Any help would be appreciated.

Proper way to set timing.
First set octane selector that is at the base of the distributor to the center or ZERO position. Then, using a timing light, with engine at slow idle set timing so the ball imbedded in the flywheel lines up with the pointer that is in the hole in the clutch housing.
Then you can advance the timing another 10 Degrees by using the octane selector. Your engine was designed to run on 70 octane gas so this will allow you to advance the timing up to 10 Deg....If engine cranks over hard with the starter reset to 8 Deg.
The farther the timing can be advanced the better the gas mileage and power.

Thanks

My method isn't "correct" but works for me. I don't use the timing marks since, as Gene pointed out, that was all engineered for low octane gas. I let the engine warm up then set to the fastest/smoothest idle then adjust, if I get pinging under load, using the octane selector. Octane selector guidlines put out by Chevy in '36.

Actually I never use a timing ligt. I advance the timing as far as possible with out bogging down the starter. As far as pinging is concerned it is almost impossible to make a 1940 engine ping with the 87 octane gas.

Thanks again guys. I have some vacation time next week so I'm gonna give the old girl a little TLC and try this.