im having power problems and my dad drove it last night and said he thinks its timing. i dont own a light so going to borrow one tonight.what should my timing be set at?

i have a 95' 5.0L all stock...probably going to gut cat out soon as i find time (hopign that helps the power problem and give it a lil exhaust tone)...but what should it be before i gut cat and do i need to readjust after gutting cat.

 

If you are experiencing "any" type of problem with the way the engine is running whatsoever, go with the stock base timing of 10 BTDC.

 

Stupid question probably but when tring to check/set timing at what rpm do you have the truck rev'ed at?

 

Engine should be pre-warmed to normal op temp., timed at engine's curb idle.

For a 302 w/ A/T, that is "supposed" to be 650-675 RPM. No accessories running.
If notably higher, it could be a multitude of reasons. Vac Leak, someone tampered w/ the throttle stop set screw & one time, Dirty IAC, a TPS sensor out of range. A battery in a discharged condition may increase idle.

Remember the Spout plug must be removed to check or adjust base timing. W/ Spout plug in place, you're looking at ECU assisted timing advance.

 

Ok what's a spout plug...clearly I've never worked on a distributor style car.

 

What year?

 

95 xlt

 

Dangling off the driver side fenderwell. Next to the TFI Module/ ICM. The grey plug