When checking the timing, I noticed that cyl #1 was 5 degrees off from cyl #6.
Shouldn't they be identical? I just wanted a second reference so I moved the timing light pickup from #1 to #6...?
Anyone know why that would be?

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Current: 1965 Barracuda, 225ci

Gone but never forgotten:
1971 Dart #1
1971 Dart #2

I have noticed the same about a couple of the motors that I have tuned.

As far as I can understand, #1 and #6 should look the same with a timing light (just on a different turn of the crank), but they don't always.

I don't know why that is, but it's not just your motor. Logically, I'd want to split the difference between the two. 5 degrees indicates a notable variance in the construction of your distributor. Maybe the reluctor is bent or just poorly made. This is the only place I can think that a deviation could come from. If you are running points, it's the same area 'the trigger'.

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1980 Aspen 225 super six

In a circumstance like this, how would you set the timing?

- 2.5 degrees on cyl #1 and have #6 read 7.5 degrees?
- Split the difference and set timing @ 0 for cyl #1 to have cyl #6 read 5 degrees?
- Set timing according to how the engine sounds & runs the best?

any or none of the above?

_________________
Current: 1965 Barracuda, 225ci

Gone but never forgotten:
1971 Dart #1
1971 Dart #2

You could try any of your ideas, but I think I'd split the difference for temporary.

I have an inquisitive streak in me, so I might be pulling the distributor and checking for a problem. I know for a fact that one of the distributors had a bent shaft and that may have caused the variance.

Paul

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1980 Aspen 225 super six

What sort of ignition do you have? Points? Mopar electronic? Pertronix?

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"Mad Scientist" Matt Cramer
'66 Dart - turbocharged 225
My blog - Mad Scientist Matt's Lair

I had a 383 that the lobes were wore out on 3 cylinders in a row. They didn't fire until you hit 3000rpm. That was points, that was when I was in college and I had access to a distributor machine.

Try grabbing the shaft and check side to side play. There is specs for that somewhere.

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'72 Duster 198 stock cam, 3:23's Hookers on jack stands for 8 years in the driveway
'79 Maxivan 360 Offy Qjet Comp RV cam/rusting in the driveway.
93 D350 160HP Cummins Auto Dually Clubcab needs a injector pump
2005 Golden Couch Buick

I measured the timing on points before switching to Pertronix.

The Ignitor II is in there now.

_________________
Current: 1965 Barracuda, 225ci

Gone but never forgotten:
1971 Dart #1
1971 Dart #2