Well if you guys remember a few days ago I was asking around about how a cam would sound. Well today i got it in and broke in the cam. Timing must be my issue cause i cant get it to idle. I had the timing set at 32-34 above 3000 rpms. But when i let off the gas, it dont idle...so i adjust the screw on the holley, and i can get it to idle at bout 2000 but it feels like its missing a lil. It may be cam clearing up cause it 3000-up there is no break up. Can you guys give me some pointers on what i should do first. My timing light was very inconsistant too...like every other time it would flash, and the meb fine, then miss again. Now i cant get it to work now. I wish one of you guys were local that knew about timing could help me out. I'll supply the beer and steaks!!! I'm serious!!!

Also my eyes are burning from it being rich, but my pipes are ashy white inside...i'm confused....

IT SOUNDS FLAT OUT AWESOME THO!!!! YYEAAA :D

This thing revs to 6000k almost instantly, i'm sooo happy it started!!!!
Thanks Guys you're the best!!!
Ed

you need to get your initial timing set first. This will allow it to idle. After that pull your carb off, jet it back to what ever it came with stock that will give you a starting point. Then set your throttle blades to the correct position in relationship to your transfer slots {when set correctly it makes the transfer slot square from the bottom side of the baseplate. Then start working with your idle mixture screws making sure they're all set equally and you should be able to get your idle from there. Then figure out what you need for a power valve. After a good idle has been established, then you can set your total timing curve, and fine tune it. just out of curiosity whats your combo look like?

My destroked combo is
400 SB .060 over
3.48 stroke....comes out to 383 cubic inches
13.0:1 TRW forged pistons
4000 stall Trans Specialities
4.56 gears
850 Holley double pumper
Weiand Team G intake
Aftermarket GM Heads 2.02s ported and gasket matched to intake.
Th-350
3050 lb Nova

This is the cam
Its a Comp Cams Tight Lash Solid

Solid-350-400 C.I., 12:1CR ,4000-5000 stall 280/288 advertised duration
250/259 at duration at .050
.530/.550 lift with 1.5s
106 LSA

Just found out that my pistons are 13.5:1's and the builder said the heads are shaved and the block is decked so look more towards 14:1

ss i talked to you about the cam a few days ago you will need a 4.5 power valve at least that allways worked for me .also check your float levels.if it back fired a few times when you tried to get her going you may have blown the power valve.also check for vacume leaks that may be part of the idel problem

Ed
Your gonna have to lock out the advance in your distributor.Remove your carb and check the transition slots at the bottom of the throttle bores,you should see about .040/.060 slot showing.Looking at the secondary throttle plate you will see a small set screw,remove this and get a 10-32 machine screw 3/4" long Smear a small amount of permatex on the screw threads to keep the screw from vibrating out.Open the secondary bore a small amount,install the carb start the engine.Now adjust your idle speed to your liking using the secondary blades and a minimal amount of primary adjustment.
If you still can't make it work,Email me as I am local. good luck!!

Junk Yard Dog, what does your motor idle at? and what do you have it timed at? I have it locked out at 38. Also what carb are you running? jets?
Thanks
Ed

ss i set my timing at 38 degrees total at 3000 rpms ,i run a 750 holley with proform carb body double pumper,i think my jets are 74 and 84s as you know thats something you have to play with.my cars both idel at about 1100 rpms that was the 383 and the 406 when i had the elgin cam in it in fact the 406 still idels at 1100 with the roller in it now my 383 was built with the 350 block and 400 crank not the same as yours .get her going lets here how she runs.

Thanks Guys, shes in and running AWESOME. Cam break in went fine, i'm oin day 3 and aboyt 50 miles and didnt have to adjust them, they were all where they were set. Gettin an off idle stumble but once it hits 4000....OH MY GOD the car throws you back in the seat and pulls hard to about 7300. The 2nd gear shift is more like a second gear fish tail. I love the cam. Idles about 1500, any lower and it wants to stall in gear. timing is locked out at 38. I'm taking the car to my carb guy this saturday as long as the weather is fine. He needs to put a bigger squirter in to take car of the lean stumble. Then next week i'm taking it to get it tuned and dynod locally. Guy charges $200 for the dyno and 100 an hour to tune it. so $300 he said would cover it. Thanks for all your help guys, the thing runs and sounds great. If i can get a clip i will, i dont know how to do it. Anyone know?
Thanks again
Ed

ed im sure your carb guy knows but i run 31 shooters front and back .glad you have her purring