Hey all,

After i finished the suspension installation last weekend I took her out for a spin and checked out the timing.

The initial is set at 8*. Should be at 16 somewhere, i know. BUT, i took a look at the mechanical advance. First of all it was advancing too fast, it stopped advancing at somewhere around 2500 rpm (worn springs I guess). And the total timing was only around 20-22' (I don't have a timing tape, the marker on the balancer was just behind the tab). Definitely not 20* mechanical advance. More like 12 or 14. I don't think it is weights or springs because the max timing was nailed at the same spot, no matter how fast i rev'd her up. Just like the weights are limited in travel. Are there HEI Distributors with less mechanical advance? Can I change that? Or am I better off buying a new and better distributor? I don't want to put work and money in it if a new one will give me more performance. Any recommendations?

Thanks,
Olli graemlins/waving.gif

BTW, going from 2 inch compression bent to 2.5 inch flowmaster really increased performance. She is pulling very nicely to the shiftpoints now. But still I gotta set that timing! :D

Olli,try putting initial at 20*
You'll end up 32-34* total
Having all your timing it by 2500 is a good thing
You can also try lighter springs to gain a little more advance too.That has worked for me in the past.

Will that be enough total? Will start ad idle good with 20* initial?

Originally posted by 71velle_malibu:
Will that be enough total? Will start ad idle good with 20* initial? sure.Should be fine.
34* total isn't too bad.
try it out,and report back smile.gif

Geez, my english... graemlins/clonk.gif

I thought 20* initial might be too much, but I'll try it. ;)

Olli

Olli:

I have a GM HEI unit on my '69/396..I had it re-curved when the engine was built. Mine has 22 degrees of advance built into it. Right now I have my initial timing set at around 12-13 degrees. Advance is all in by 2800, and I wind up around 35 degrees. No vacuum advance for me.