Author Topic: Timing for a Dual Quad 4 Speed  (Read 1797 times)

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Offline dsags

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Timing for a Dual Quad 4 Speed
« on: May 26, 2011, 09:12:11 PM »
The manual says that initial timing for an automatic dual quad should be set at 12 degrees BTDC. As far as I can find there is no reference for a 4 speed. The timing for 4 speed and automatic single four cars are both 2 degrees. So is timing for the 4 speed dual quad also 12 degrees ? Thanks.
1965 Special Convertible, L33 LS, 4L60

Offline WkillGS

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Re: Timing for a Dual Quad 4 Speed
« Reply #1 on: May 27, 2011, 07:51:48 AM »
Correct. But only the dual quad distributor should be set at 12 degrees.
If you still are using the 1x4 distributor, it should be set at 2 degrees.

Maximum mechanical advance on either of these should be approx 32 degrees. That setting is more important than the initial timing. If you have too much timing, you could detonate your engine to death!
The stock springs will reach max advance by 3900 rpm. Lighter springs that bring that advance in sooner are a great performance mod.
Walt K
Eastern Pa

66 GS Astro Blue/blue 425 auto
66 GS Silver Mist/black 401 4 spd
66 GS Flame Red/black 401 5 spd
66 GS Saddle Mist/black 401 L76 auto
66 Special Flame Red/black 300 5 spd
65 GS vert Verde Green/ Saddle buckets 401 4 spd
79 Turbo Regal

Offline dsags

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Re: Timing for a Dual Quad 4 Speed
« Reply #2 on: May 27, 2011, 08:34:38 AM »
Thanks Walt. I have an 058 distributor in it that Carmen set up so I'll go with the 12 degrees.
Do you think there is any difference in drive ability or performance with either distributor ?
1965 Special Convertible, L33 LS, 4L60

Offline WkillGS

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Re: Timing for a Dual Quad 4 Speed
« Reply #3 on: May 27, 2011, 01:16:48 PM »
The Nailheads really like the additional early advance the 2x4 distributors provide! Especially in the light Buicks such as our Skylarks.
Rhett did some performance testing with a new distributor and other tuning. Results are on the board somewhere.
Walt K
Eastern Pa

66 GS Astro Blue/blue 425 auto
66 GS Silver Mist/black 401 4 spd
66 GS Flame Red/black 401 5 spd
66 GS Saddle Mist/black 401 L76 auto
66 Special Flame Red/black 300 5 spd
65 GS vert Verde Green/ Saddle buckets 401 4 spd
79 Turbo Regal