351C Harmonic Balancer

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kiko619

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 28, 2014
Messages
112
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Location
Houston, Tx
My Car
1972 Mach 1
1972 Grande Coupe
Hi guys, 

I went through most of yalls posts on Harmonic balancer pics... but none have the markings I have. I’m trying to set the timing; If y’all can give me a breakdown of what ATC & BTC mean that would be really great help. Yes I know the engines had better days but the cosmetics are the last of the upgrades thanks :)

image.jpg

 
Last edited by a moderator:
BTC is Before Top (dead) Center, ATC is After Top Center. In your picture the pointer is at approximately 2° BTC. Depending on engine components you'll want to initially set the timing between 6° and 12° BTC.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
It's rather simple when you look at it. Obviously, the "TC" is short for "top center", and is the zero mark. Your engine turns clockwise, when running,  as viewed from the front. The ATC means "after top center", anything firing here is a retarded spark firing. The BTC side is "before top center", and is where the pointer will show any timing advance. The "advanced" firing markings are used to set initial, and total timing when tuning your engine, the "total advance" being most important, and can play a part in how much initial is used. On these older engines, it is always cautious to remember that the elastomer rubber insulating ring on the harmonic balancer, can deteriorate over time, and allow the outer ring holding the numbers to shift. This doesn't always happen, just be aware that it is a variable when searching for a tuning gremlin 

 
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