Expert: Roger J.M. Warrington - 2/25/2005

Question
I have a 1980 Chevy El Camino that i am trying to get restored. Right now i have a problem with trying to find any Lit. on it. I found the specs for the carb but now i am in search for what the timing should be set at. It is a 305 running a 4 barrel carb and i have to replace a bunch of stuff. Also i noticed that the rocker arms are a little loose. Would you happen to know what the clearance for the rocker arms are supposed to be and where to set the timing for the egine. Any and all help will be greatly appriciated. Thank you in advance for you time and help on this matter.

Very respectfully,

Rodney Pinkham

Answer
HI
  Rodney; Are the lifters hyd. or solids ?? if they are stock   thay are . hyd. you can try to loosen each rocker till it clacks than go back in till it stops than go apx. 1/2 more of a turn NO-MORE and do it SLOW not to stall the motor you will hear the engine it will talk to you.and with the timeing I would start around 4 tdc. and go up or you can try
to get it by ear and than see what it is at with the light it should be close.if you put a H.D. dist. and a set of headers you will see a big differance in your power.it is a cheep way to get more power as you did a 4bbl allready all you need with that is a alum. intake.