Dude, it's not that tough to set the base timing. Here is a link (with photos) of how to do it: How to properly set the timing on a 302 or 351 - FSB Forums

My buddy Scott created the write-up and took the pics.

I hope this helps you out.

How are you "setting the idle RPM"? It is not user adjustable.

 

I'm not setting the idle RPM per say. I move the dist until the RPM's are at 600 to 650 and the truck is running smooth. BUT , the throttle does not have a normal quick response.

 

Set the base timing, with the SPOUT out, then figure out why the idle is off. If the idle is too high with the timing set correctly then I suspect a vacuum leak(s). If the timing does not change with the SPOUT in or out then you have a bigger issue.

 

Thanks for the link. I will start over. I basically did this except but I dropped in the dist at 0 degrees. Makes since to drop in at 10 BTC. And this may fix it if not I will look for vaccum leaks.

 

Oh. What's the bigger issue if it don't change with spout in or out ?

 

Wiring issue (open somewhere) or bad PCM

 

Can I have a bad PCM and the truck still run / idle good ?

 

A big thanks to rla2005. With the use of the thread u sent I am now on time. BUT , now I got a popping sounds like in the plenum but not sure. And when I give it throttle it sounds like a backfire on the drivers side. Other than that it runs good and good throttle response. Just needs fine tuning. Any ideas ?

 

You should stick to one thread. The "popping" noise maybe from a vacuum leak, bad valve, etc. You did say before when the timing was set correctly the idle rpm was high. This leads me to believe you have a vacuum leak.

Remind us again why you had to set the timing in the first place?

 

I put a new motor in. The other one was wore out.

 

Now since the timing is set. The idle has lined out.

 

Time to start looking at some basics. Do a compression check. Perhaps a valve has not sealed properly. Could still be a small vacuum leak in an intake runner.

Another scenario is if the heads and block were shaved then the pushrod length could be too long, which would unseat the valve(s). That is a stretch, but something to consider.

 

I had a very similar issue with mine when i pulled out the dist. however, mine made a nasty high pitched noise.. never figured out the problem... best of luck