Imperial Tune-Up Specifications

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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: 4B 

1955: 6B 

1956: 4B 

1957: 6B 

1958: 6B 

1959 - 1965: 10B 

1966 - 1967: 12.5 B (5B Calif.)

1968 - 1969:  7.5B 

1970: 12.5B 

1971: 5B 

1972 - 1974: 10B (5B Calif) 

1975 - 1976: 8B 

1977: 12B ( 8B Calif)

1978: 20B 

1981: 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 CAR

Distributor 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