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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Timing and dwell

Ready to tune up the V8, what should be the timing spec and the dwell? Engine is a Buick 215.
Thanks.
Jake

Jake, it depends on the cam and how the engine is built. If you have a performance cam, start with 16 BTDC, if stock, try 12. Dwell specs are 28-32 degrees, according to my old Chiltons manuals.
Jeff Schlemmer

Remember to set your dwell angle first as it will affect timing.
Bill Young

Is the only way to set dwell with a dwell meter? The engine has a mild erson cam ground 4 degrees advanced.
Jake

The only way to check the 'dwell angle' that I know of is to use a dwell meter. Most point type systems will list both a dwell angle and point gap in the tune up specs. If you don't have a dwell meter, then set the gap using a feeler gauge to the spec and the dwell angle should be right on.
Bill Young

Try setting the point gap toward the wider end of the gap range. If I were you, I'd shop Ebay for a dwell meter. You can pick up and old one for under $20.

Your dwell is adjusted by adjusting the points. The dwell meter just allows you to fine tune the adjustment. You will find that setting the points with a feeler gauge will give you a dwell that is usually off the mark, sometimes substantially.
Jeff Schlemmer

While we're at it, does anyone have the dwell, timing and plug gap specs for a HO Olds 215-stock cam and heads?

Allan
Allan

The specs I have are a little on the "generic" side and specify all buicl V8s, but it says 5-7.5 BTDC and 28-32 degrees dwell. Typically you can push the advance a little, as I would expect the HO would be higher than 7 degrees.
Jeff Schlemmer

This thread was discussed between 11/09/2005 and 13/09/2005

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