I recently got a new mallory unilite distributor and the car hasn't run the same since. So far, my mechanic has moved the distributor to advance it or turn it back and he has adjusted the idle. Is there some kind of special tuning technique that can be done to get optimal performance with no overun (when you shut off the car), no midrange pinging, and no off idle dip in power? Thanks!!

From the description you give, it sounds like you have too much initial timing. Get out your trusty timing light and set it at 12deg BTDC. This will give you a good starting place, you may want to run a little more depending on your setup. If the unit has a vacuum advance, make sure you have it connected to ported vacuum and not manifold vacuum. Also be sure to disconnect and plug it when setting the initial timing.

Joshua,

I've used Mallory Unilite distributors before and found them to be excellent units. Very easy to set the proper mechanical advance in the distributor.

Sounds to me like you don't have your total advance curve set up properly. Your initial static timing or mechanical advance in the distributor, or both, are not set right.

Go to the Tech Archives section on this site and read my responses on setting total timing. It is under the Mechanical section, and the article is titled Total Timing.

PS) If you have a vacuum advance unit on your Mallory, the instructions that come with the distributor don't tell you how to adjust the vacuum advance! There is about a 10 degree range on the setting if I remember correctly. It is set by inserting an allen wrench (3/32" I think) into the vacuum hose nipple on the advance can, engaging the internal set screw, and turning. I think that all the way in clockwise is 10 degrees and all the way out counter-clockwise is 0 degrees. For street driving you'll want about 6 or 8 degrees of vacuum advance.

Good luck,

Bob


[This message has been edited by Robert SS (edited 09-28-98).]