Where to set timing and other questions

[ninjaboy76]

Ok guys, I recently inherited my grandfather's '79 GMC Sierra and I was hoping you guys could help me out with a few questions I have. YES.. I did try the search function before posting this but I didn't find all of what I was looking for.

1. The truck has a GM Goodwrench 350 crate motor in it. It was put in there back in the 80's I believe. It isn't heavily cammed or anything like that. Pretty much stock everything from what I can tell other than a Edelbrock carb.

Where should the timing be set at for pump gas 87 octane?

2. I was thinking about lowering the truck, but I don't want to cut or notch the frame. What's the lowest I can go, but still have a usable bed for hauling stuff like furniture when needed.

3. I know this truck used to have some stickers at the end of the truck bed on either side but I don't remember what they said. Anybody have any idea what the stickers might be and where I could possibly get some replacement ones. I'm thinking this is a Sierra classic, but I'm not sure how to tell.

Thanks in advance...

Here are some pics:

[INSIDIOUS '86]

The stickers for a gmc can say a few things depending on how your truck is optioned. What's the vehicle capacity? Is it over 6000gross? If so it prob had heavy half stickers which are hard as hell to get hold of.

As for the timing set it at 12*btdc and enjoy.

Lowering there's a lot you can do. First off. What can you spend and how low would you like to go?
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[ninjaboy76]

Okay, thanks for the info. I'll have to look and see what I can find out about the gross weight.

So set the timing at 12* btdc while at idle?

As far as lowering is concerned I'm not really sure what I can afford right now. I'm just wanting to weigh all options. I just want to make sure I don't go to low so that I can't put anything in the back of the bed. I was thinking a 4/5 drop would be as low as I could go without having to notch or modify the frame, but I'm not sure if you can still haul stuff in the bed with it being that low.

Oh yeah btw... What is the bolt pattern for these trucks? 6 lug or 5 lug?

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Pull of a hubcap and look. But the normal pattern you see is 5x5.

You can do a 4-5 drop and still haul. You pull of the bump stops and put on little rubber pads and you have close to the same travel

Also make sure you pull vac advance when setting timing at idle
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[ninjaboy76]

Okay thanks for the tips.

I'll try to check the timing tomorrow and see where its at.

What kits / companies would you recommend for a 4/5 drop?

[ninjaboy76]

After decoding my vin you were right Insidious, it is a Heavy Half truck.

[INSIDIOUS '86]

Bell tech is is a great company so is western an some djm stuff. You can cut a cool off on the front springs and do a shackle and hanger kit in the rear. That should get you about 2.5-4 drop and add some 2 inch drop spindles and lower the front to 3.5. That should give you a little rake to the front and plenty of load capacity.
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