Imperial Homepage -> Repair -> General Maintenance -> Tune-Up -> Specifications
Point Gap:
1935-1972 .017 Preferred (.015-.018)
Dwell Angle:
1935-1950 27 degrees
1951-1972 Single Point -30 degrees (28-32degrees)
Plug Gap:1935-1948 .025
1949-1983 .035
Valve Lash:1935-1949 Hot .008 Intake .010 Exhaust
Reluctor to Pickup Gap for ESC :.006-.008
Ignition Timing: (Degrees Before Top Dead Center unless noted)
1935 - 1937 Fifth line after TDC mark on damper.
1938 - 1941 Third line after TDC mark on damper
1942 / 46 - 1948 Second line before TDC on damper.
1949 - 1951: TDC 52-54: 4B1955: 6B
1956: 4B
1957: 6B
1958: 6B
1959 - 1965: 10B
1966 - 1967: 12.5 B (5B Calif.)
1968 - 1969: 7.5B1970: 12.5B
1971: 5B
1972 - 1974: 10B (5B Calif)
1975 - 1976: 8B
1977: 12B ( 8B Calif)
1978: 20B1981: 12B
1982 - 1983: See Your Engine's Decal
NOTE 1: Timing set with vacuum advance disconnected. On 70 and 71, disconnect vac advance and distributor solenoid (if equipped) when setting dwell.
Most sources listed stated that " factors such as octane value, humidity, air density, temperature, must be considered when setting ignition timing. [ If it pings, back it off a bit :) ] SEE THE UNDERHOOD DECAL IF APPLICABLE FOR YOUR CARDistributor Rotation:
1953 - 1983 Front Mounted : Counter Clockwise Rear Mounted: Clockwise
Firing Order:
1935 - 1949 1-6-2-5-8-3-7-4
1950 - 1983 1 -8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Cylinder Numbering:Left Bank:1-3-5-7 Right Bank: 2-4-6-8
Idle Speed:
1954 - 1963: 475-500 rpm.
1964 - 1967: 500 rpm ( 625 with CAP )
1968 - 1971: 650 rpm, in Drive with A/C on.
1972 - 1983: 750 to 850 ( Refer to underhood decal for exact specification and procedure)NOTE: Most sources listed noted that " higher idle speeds are required for engines in poor condition and for engines used with automatic transmissions" and that A/C equipped cars be set with blower and compressor operating.
Adjustment should be made at fast idle diaphragm ( if used ) to obtain correct setting. Emissions equipped cars from the mid 70�s and later had specific procedures to set the idle speeds and mixtures. Consult a service manual for exact specifications.
This page was last updated on September 6, 2002. Send us your feedback, and come join the Imperial Mailing List - Online Car Club
