502 425HP tuning with crane cam ignition
 

I have a 502 425HP engine as the title states, and started having MSD ignition problems. After doing some test, I found it was shot.

Now I have a crane cam ignition, and my question concerns the timing. The engine is mostly stock, so I plan on using the pre setting on the crane cam for the 425hp.

Will I need to adjust the distributer for the new ignition, or will the exesting setting work? The crane cam states it can adjust the timeing + or - 20 degrees, so do I just need to be in this range with my setting and it will auto correct?

If I am using the preset advance timing, what should I use the retard for? What is retarding the timing for?

Thanks for the help. Want to make sure I have all my duck in a row before I go starting this up.

Re: 502 425HP tuning with crane cam ignition
 

The advance curve for the 425HP should work ok with your motor. The base timing should not change from swapping ignition controls, but it would be a good idea to check it. You want the base timing + timing advance of the Crane unit to be a total of around 30 degrees to start, then you could add or take away a few degrees as needed for best performance/knock prevention.

You won't use the timing retard, that is for "locked out" timing (locked on to full advance). You would need the retard during cranking if running "locked out", because the engine would be very difficult to crank without retarding the timing.

Dave

Re: 502 425HP tuning with crane cam ignition
 

Thanks for the advice. I have a general understanding of engines, but don't have a clue when it comes to timing.