Firing Squad: A Graphic Guide to Common V8/V6 Engine Firing Orders
Some folks are good with numbers.
Some of us forget our own work phone extensions and occasionally blank on our PIN codes at the bank machine.
For the latter group, OnAllCylinders contributor Lori Sams created this illustrated guide to engine firing orders. Firing order is important because it helps evenly distribute the power strokes along the crankshaft, reducing vibration and providing smoother operation. Many engine and ignition-related projects and repair jobs require that you know the cylinder numbering and firing order of your engine.
8-6-7-5-3-0-9? Nope — that’s not your engine’s correct firing order.
You’d better print out this chart just in case you need it!
Can you please discuss camshafts that change the original firing order? It would be interesting to know the advantages. Thanks!
Thanks for article very informative
The Ford Y-block picture is wrong. The distributor is in back on those motors.
The Illustration shows the distributor in the rear of Engine
Might be worth mentioning that Cali trucks might be different. 83 Cali 351w order is 1-5-7-8-6-3-4-2
The cylinder layout for the Buick Nailhead is incorrect. ALL Nailheads have their #1 cylinder on the passenger side, not the driver side. So, it’s 1-3-5-7 on the passenger side, and 2-4-6-8 on the driver side. Also, and I just noticed this, the distributor should be in the rear, and not the front.
Sure looks like the chart is correct from here.
Look at it again. Notice the little note on each engine marking the front of the engine.My dad had a 65 GS with a 401 and dual quads,3 speed from the factory. Love nail heads!
I see the distributor has been moved, but cylinder layout is STILL wrong.
Also, the distributor rotates CLOCKWISE, not counter-clockwise as the diagram now shows.
Eric, thank you for pointing out the errors of our ways. We did make the corrections and appreciate your feedback.
Ford 351w is same as 302. Not lice 351c 351m or 400
I race Buick 3.8L engines, and the firing order you have listed is not the newer motor, that isn’t even close, its
2 4 6
1 3 5
Need the firing order for a72 olds ,350? ,rocket .I’m getting back fire from the carb.
18435673 or 67318435
Sorry that was wrong
18436572 or you start with the 6th sillinder if it is original, usually the firing order is stamped on the intake manifold.
I have a 66 Ford 352 which one should I use?
According to box wrench, (Ford 352, 360, 390, 406, 427, 428) (15426378) Pass side cylinders being, 1-4.. Driver side, 5-8 as seen in all above Illustration of Ford cylinders layout. Rotor Under Cap Spins:
Counter Clockwise http://www.boxwrench.net/specs/ford_352-428.htm
Could you guys put a list of what these engines timing should be at. I have been looking all over to figure out what a 440 dodge timing should be, and I keep getting a variety of answers.
Dustin,
Thanks for the idea! We will work to put something together.
Here’s one for ya how about a chevy 350QL in a 1971 Chris-Craft XK-18 jet boat???