Timing - setting and which light to get?

[Route--66--]

Hi all

I currently have an old orange-light type timing light from the 80's !..
Am looking to buy a new one - should I just get a standard xenon one or is it worth getting an advance type and if so what advantage would there be?

I have a standard 1965 200ci. It has non spark control valve carb and dizzy (from a 1970 I am told)

What is the proper procedure for timing on this engine - is it just remove vacuum advance and time at idle?

Many thanks!

 

[CoupeBoy]

You don't need a dialback timing light, they are nice to have though.
To.set the base timing, unplug the vacuum advance and plug it, then set base timing.
Where are you pulling vacuum from? Carb or manifold?

 

[Route--66--]

cool thanks
vacuum is coming from the manifold.
Is the timing set at idle or a specified speed eg 1000rpm..?
CHeers!

 

[bubba22349]

Base timing is always set at idle rpm.

 

[Route--66--]

brill cheers chap

 

[hasa68mustang]

The one reason I like having the advance light is that you can clearly mark the TDC mark on the balancer with white or red paint or something and use the gun to figure out where its at rather than trying to see all the marks. If your setting it and forgetting it, I would say stick with the point and shoot gun.

 

[thesameguy]

I have an Equus 3568, which is not terribly expensive and has the advantage of an integrated tachometer. On carbed cars where there is no idle control and mixture and timing can have dramatic effects on idle speed having that tachometer is worth its weight in gold. No more running to and from the cabin to check the tach, or have someone sitting in the driver's seat yelling out numbers at you. I had an ancient Sears light that was working great, but I got this Equus one specifically for the Falcon, for that reason.

 

[Route--66--]

cheers chaps, have ordered the standard gun.
thesameguy: Luckily I have a tach meter that I can clip onto the coil so all good there cheers!