Also I'm pretty sure no vaccuum leak because when I hook the vacuum gauge up the needle stays steady. Is there any reason I shouldn't follow this advice for tuning?

http://classicinlines.com/vacuum.asp

 

Not necessarily, a low steady reading would indicate a vacuum leak. Not sure about sixes, but a healthy stock V8 will pull about 19" or 20" at sea level. How much vacuum is the engine pulling in neutral, at the stock, OEM idle RPM specification?

That's a great resource website you linked btw, vacuum gauges are a GREAT way to quickly perform accurate engine diagnosis (and best of all, easily and cheaply.) All I can say is try the suggestions for setting ignition timing and carb adjustment.

Want to be careful, check for ping or detonation both at acceleration and cruise after adjustment, and back off a little more if necessary. Most people find a little more ignition advance than the stock setting preferable. May have to run a higher octane to advance it farther, also check for starter kickback, especially when engine is fully warmed up.

 

It's running like 22" on the vacuum gauge in park at around 700 rpm.

 

OK, no vacuum leak you are correct,

 

Gary,
What Magnaflow mufflers do you run? I'd like to add duals on my F100.

 

BJ - I think it is a 22" single-in/dual-out. I can measure it tomorrow, but that's the size I remember.

I went with the single/dual arrangement because that's what was on Rusty when I got him and it was a lot easier. But, it had a 14" Flowmaster that was flatulent. Awful. And the Magnaflow was a huge improvement. Huge.

 

Just getting too old for that steady drown while on the road. I fall asleep easy enough I don't need to fall asleep driving. Don't mind a light rumble when I get on it but not constant. OBTW I've got an H pipe off the stock manifolds so that's why I'm going duals. Thinking about 2 1/4" front to back.

 

Sounds like a good plan. And I agree that it needs to rumble a bit when on it, but the steady stuff is for kids. And that's why I like Magnaflows. They will rumble but aren't noisy.

 

Where'd you place your muffler? I think that has some bearing on noise too!