What should I do if my timing is wrong on my Pontiac 400?
Not only does this make timing the engine nearly impossible, it can also be dangerous. A damper with this problem can fly apart at any time. If this is the case with your damper, you should replace it immediately. On most V8 engines, timing is checked on the #1 cylinder because it is the first in the firing order.
Where is the 1 cylinder on a Pontiac 400?
On Pontiacs, the #1 cylinder is on the driver’s side, which is furthest from the timing marks on the damper. A common mistake is to use the #2 cylinder on the passenger side because it is on the same side as the timing marks. Make sure you are using the #1 cylinder to time your 400.
What kind of engine is in a 1980 Pontiac Firebird?
This week, we’re troubleshooting timing issues on a 400 c.i.d. engine swapped into a 1980 Firebird. Q: I have a 1980 Pontiac Firebird with a 400-cubic-inch engine out of a 1978 Trans Am. The engine was built with parts from two different 400s, and the timing has never been right.
What was the displacement of the Pontiac 297?
In 1956, the 297 was bored to 317 cid. Pontiac really jumped in the horsepower race with built-for-racing “NASCAR” options carrying dual four-barrel carburetors and delivering up to 285 hp. This was just the beginning. In 1957, the stroke was increased and displacement rose to 347 cid.
When did the Pontiac 400 stop being made?
The special edition black and gold Trans Am made famous by Burt Reynolds in the Smokey and the Bandit movie franchise increased Firebird sales in 1977 and 1978 and made the 400 V8 quite popular. Even though production of the 400 had ceased, 1979 Pontiac models still featured the 400 engine due to large stockpiles left over from the previous year.
How big is the stroke on a Pontiac 400?
With a 4.12-inch bore and a 3.75-inch stroke, Pontiac’s 400 had similar bore and stroke to Chevy’s big-block 396 (even when the Chevy actually displaced 402 cubic inches).
Which is the most powerful version of the Pontiac 400?
That made the 400 the top engine in Firebird and GTO for many years as it received a wide range of high-performance cylinder heads and camshafts through various iterations of the Ram Air package. The most powerful version of Pontiac’s 400 to ever reach production was the Ram Air IV.
What should the timing be on a Pontiac?
This would mean that if I set the timing at 10 degrees the maximum mechanical would be a mere 22 degrees. Yikes, not where it should be. I wanted to see 36 degrees total for this engine and I wanted the curve to be responsive from 1200 rpms up.
How many degrees does the HEI work on a Pontiac?
The HEI went back on to the distributor machine for a second test. As I ran from idle to 4000 rpm (equivalent crank degrees) the HEI was now responding, but not as well as it should for the engine. Total number of degrees was 12. This would mean that if I set the timing at 10 degrees the maximum mechanical would be a mere 22 degrees.
Not only does this make timing the engine nearly impossible, it can also be dangerous. A damper with this problem can fly apart at any time. If this is the case with your damper, you should replace it immediately. On most V8 engines, timing is checked on the #1 cylinder because it is the first in the firing order.
This would mean that if I set the timing at 10 degrees the maximum mechanical would be a mere 22 degrees. Yikes, not where it should be. I wanted to see 36 degrees total for this engine and I wanted the curve to be responsive from 1200 rpms up.
The HEI went back on to the distributor machine for a second test. As I ran from idle to 4000 rpm (equivalent crank degrees) the HEI was now responding, but not as well as it should for the engine. Total number of degrees was 12. This would mean that if I set the timing at 10 degrees the maximum mechanical would be a mere 22 degrees.
On Pontiacs, the #1 cylinder is on the driver’s side, which is furthest from the timing marks on the damper. A common mistake is to use the #2 cylinder on the passenger side because it is on the same side as the timing marks. Make sure you are using the #1 cylinder to time your 400.
What was the flat spot on my Pontiac?
Fellow Pontiac enthusiast, Cliff Ruggles, helped me out with his rebuilding expertise that eliminated the stumble, however, there remained a flat spot that I didn’t like. Again, as the car was driven, I sensed it was not the carburetor or fuel delivery, so I focused on ignition timing.
What should the timing be on a Pontiac V-8?
It’s an excellent piece that’s ideal for tailoring vacuum advance to provide peak engine efficiency at idle and part throttle. I recommend it above all others. For a naturally aspirated Pontiac V-8, I recommend a base (or initial) timing anywhere between 10 and 15 degrees.
What is the firing order on a Pontiac?
Like all PONTIAC engines since 1955, the firing order sets is: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2, all by turning it counterclockwise. Note that the cylinder number 1 is the next driver in front of the engine (the same location on all V-engines) or just the first behind the power steering pump.
When did Pontiac stop using transistorized ignition system?
Many electronic conversion kits are available. Since the 1960s, Pontiac has used various ignition systems that were electronically triggered. Its Transistorized Ignition was eventually replaced by the Unitized Ignition System in the early 1970s.
Where is cylinder number 1 on a Pontiac Firebird?
Note that the cylinder number 1 is the next driver in front of the engine (the same location on all V-engines) or just the first behind the power steering pump. Oldsmobile V8 engines (260, 307, 350, 403 and 455ci) is identical to the pontiac: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 counterclockwise.