Carb and Pump Issues
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
I have suspected late timing from the beginning. I know how badly it affected the 390 in dad's truck. As little as 5* difference can really affect the overall performance.
Without knowing what the advance curve is, it's entirely possible that *part* of the reason it seems to run outta grunt too early, could be from from late initial timing, compounded by not enough advance as the RPM rises.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
The balancer has 2 sets of numbers printed on it.
I have suspected late timing from the beginning. I know how badly it affected the 390 in dad's truck. As little as 5* difference can really affect the overall performance.
Without knowing what the advance curve is, it's entirely possible that *part* of the reason it seems to run outta grunt too early, could be from from late initial timing, compounded by not enough advance as the RPM rises.
I have suspected late timing from the beginning. I know how badly it affected the 390 in dad's truck. As little as 5* difference can really affect the overall performance.
Without knowing what the advance curve is, it's entirely possible that *part* of the reason it seems to run outta grunt too early, could be from from late initial timing, compounded by not enough advance as the RPM rises.
Old School Hot Rodder
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,472
Likes: 11
From: Exmore, VA
We really need to know what kind of advance curve is in that distributor. Without knowing that you have no idea where to set the timing and at what rpm it starts.
Gary, on non-computer controlled engines, you would be amazed at what a few degrees either way will do, along with what increasing the advance curve will do.
Gary, on non-computer controlled engines, you would be amazed at what a few degrees either way will do, along with what increasing the advance curve will do.
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,575
Likes: 5
From: Broken Arrow , OK
Well I cant find the paperwork on the distributor to see if it has the timing curve listed. Also the manufacturer has an intl number and I cant call it from any of my phones. I havent been able to find an email address either. So for the moment I am sort of stuck.
Old School Hot Rodder
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,472
Likes: 11
From: Exmore, VA
First, that's what you get for buying stuff with no US support number. Second, do either you or Gary have an adjustable timing light? If you do, take the rotor off, find the heaviest set of springs you have for it and stick them in. Set the timing to 10 BTDC and lock it down. Shut it off, put the other springs back in it and see, first where it sits at idle, second, run it up til it isn't advancing any more and see what you have.
If you don't have access to an adjustable light, get under the truck and mark the balancer all the way out to 40 BTDC, maybe 44 BTDC then repeat the test with a regular light, on an open chamber like a 351C,M or 400 you can probably safely run 38-42 BTDC total if it doesn't come in to soon.
What I meant by French distributor was Chevrolet type. I like only the easy change advance, other than that, I would rather use a Ford or Mallory, I have seen too many issues with GM HEI units. BTW, it may be very hard to check the timing with an MSD box, their instructions are not encouraging.
If you don't have access to an adjustable light, get under the truck and mark the balancer all the way out to 40 BTDC, maybe 44 BTDC then repeat the test with a regular light, on an open chamber like a 351C,M or 400 you can probably safely run 38-42 BTDC total if it doesn't come in to soon.
What I meant by French distributor was Chevrolet type. I like only the easy change advance, other than that, I would rather use a Ford or Mallory, I have seen too many issues with GM HEI units. BTW, it may be very hard to check the timing with an MSD box, their instructions are not encouraging.
Last edited by 85lebaront2; Apr 26, 2012 at 09:30 PM. Reason: Typo
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
First, that's what you get for buying stuff with no US support number. Second, do either you or Gary have an adjustable timing light? If you do, take the rotor off, find the heaviest set of springs you have for it and stick them in. Set the timing to 10 BTDC and lock it down. Shut it off, put the other springs back in it and see, first where it sits at idle, second, run it up til it isn't advancing any more and see what you have.
If you don't have access to an adjustable light, get under the truck and mark the balancer all the way out to 40 BTDC, maybe 44 BTDC then repeat the test with a regular light, on an open chamber like a 351C,M or 400 you can probably safely run 38-42 BTDC total if it doesn't come in to soon.
What I meant by French distributor was Chevrolet type. I like only the easy change advance, other than that, I would rather use a Ford or Mallory, I have seen too many issues with GM HEI units. BTW, it may be very hard to check the timing with an MSD box, their instructions are not encouraging.
If you don't have access to an adjustable light, get under the truck and mark the balancer all the way out to 40 BTDC, maybe 44 BTDC then repeat the test with a regular light, on an open chamber like a 351C,M or 400 you can probably safely run 38-42 BTDC total if it doesn't come in to soon.
What I meant by French distributor was Chevrolet type. I like only the easy change advance, other than that, I would rather use a Ford or Mallory, I have seen too many issues with GM HEI units. BTW, it may be very hard to check the timing with an MSD box, their instructions are not encouraging.
However, I'm the one with the 351M's. Bruno's running the Wheezer, as Chris calls them. Anyway, I understand what you are suggesting and we can do that. Hmmm, I wonder if my ignition scope shows timing. I'll have to check that. Haven't used it much, but it works.
Old School Hot Rodder
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,472
Likes: 11
From: Exmore, VA
Ok, the Windsor won't necessarily take as much timing as a C or M as it isn't quite as open. Most Ford balancers are marked - 10 to + 30. I doubt a scope will show timing unless it has a pickup slot in the balancer and a place to put a magnetic pickup.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
He's running an aftermarket balancer. Don't think the 'scope has a magnetic pickup, but will look.
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