timing help.

ok, first off tell you what im running.

85 camaro, 350swap,700r4,3.23 gears.

engine": prestige crate engine 9.8:1 comp ratio.
http://www.prestigehighperformance.com/331/chevy331.htm

ok, i have set the timing to 8degrees btdc.
since this is what the booklet that came with the engine says to set it at. 8-14btdc actually.

a couple of problems arrise when i do this,

1. Hard starting
2. Wants to run-on / dieseling when i shut it off.
3. Wants to part throttle ping.

ok well i know what this means, too far adavnce ignition timming. well wtf

could the pointer on the block be off?
or my timing light be messed up?
cause if its 8 degrees, its not too far advanced.

this is also with the vacuum advance not even connected, and ports pluged.

i have replaced the intake gaskets myself, could i have put the distributor in wrong? I marked the rotor poistion and the housing. It did take about 5 mins of wiggling to get it seated all the way down. is it possible to put it in a tooth off?

any advice greatly appreciated.
thanks in adavnce

-Adam  

I think you've got the motor way too advanced.

Best advice, reset the timing to zero advance/retard, then adjust from there for best performance.  

It's doubtfull you have the distributor in wrong if you can get the timing mark to line up, Adam. You say you changed intake gaskets, was it OK before? By hard starting, do you mean that it is firing against the starter? Engine run on is caused by high idle speed in most cases, is that where it should be? Is this a EGR engine? Is the EGR working? If not it will be prone to detonate like you describe. Have you checked your total timing? Use a dial back light or timing tape to check your total advance, without vacuum advance.  
Jim
70 El Camino
461 solid, m20,
pics in readers rides

Hi Adam, i noticed you bought your engine from prestigehighperformance, i you dont mind me asking, how long ago was that, the reason for asking, is that i paid a deposite to the same company in November 2007 for a engine, never recieved it or my money back, now doest even answer e mails, mail box full all the time, just wondered if he has gone out of business, if he has your warranty wont be any good.

Cheers for any comments, Den  

Yes I think prestigehighperformance has went bankrupt, as i can't find their site online anymore, and as i was searching around on the internet and found other complaints of their engines. Im not worried about the warranty as I wouldn't let him touch the engine again if my life depended on it.


anyways this is my friends car, I am a graduate from Wyotech, now in the process of pulling the engine back out, though i was not the one to put it in. (wish i was) the shop that put the engine in wouldn't be my frist choice on shops but the engine did run for about 8 months with slight problems, including a harsh ticking noise from the first day even.

Am i pulling the engine for the cause of a camshaft failure, what caused the problem im not sure, the shop that put it in may have not primed it, or even did the break in procedure. Im also not sure of if the lifter preload was correct, or if the spring pressures are correct. either way I feel bad for my buddy that spend his hard earned dollars on this engine and for it to only last 8 months.

but now its going to built right either way, by myself. (whom I trust) not some monkey in AZ.

hope you have better luck that my friend.