I've been running 19 to 20 degrees of timing in my truck for over two years now with the stock headgasket and no studs. So far no problems, maybe I should knock on wood. Anyways, I wouldn't be scared to do it, it makes alot of difference. Look at my sig. I've got my little 160 pump over 400 Hp and I think there's more in it. Goodluck what ever you do, Darl Absher III

 

Im definetly not scared of doing it I was just wanting to know why he felt that 19* was too much.

darloa - were you at the dyno day in lewisville at HPP?

 

Yea he was, I remember that truck.

 

I have a 95 that has always did the same thing the 370's just are not getting enough fuel, just run a gear lower. The noise is the timing and the timing only, 370s don't change the sound. Timing will make alot more cylinder pressure and depending on heat and boost it will shorten head gasket life. IF you are running below 1500EGT's and 60Psi you should be alright at 16.5 or 17 degrees and still start good if you go higher it gets hard to start and will more than likely blow the gasket.