Classic/Antique Car Repair: Chevrolet 327, dairyland wisconsin, time tape

Question
A few days ago I purchased an unrestored 1957 Belair. It has a 327 with camelback heads and I don't know what year the engine is. My question is what is the fireing order and what should the timing be set at?
Thank you for any help you can give me;
                    
         Steve Turchi
            Dairyland Wisconsin

Answer
ok  as far as the heads go i'am  shure that thay are a hi per. type next to the .202 valve type thay should work good on street  light hot rod use. and the fire order should be
1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2-    .and as far as the timing i would go to apx. 4 above t.d.c. and if it is not that good take the dist. and loosen the nut but not a lot just enough so you can turn the dist with out it turning on its own as it will if its loose , than get the moter to run good than go till it races a bit more than back off till you hear a happy medium, as this is by ear and the book will  not work if you dont know what is really in the motor also with some engine jobs you have to time the motor at 3000 rpm with a crank time tape but thats not for you . so if you still have trouble  look in a t.m. book at the local library and it will have all fireing orders and it should also have photos of the heads markings. as thay change also but i think you have the good ones ok.hope i helped you
bigw