88 351w ignition

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Sep 15, 2003 | 06:28 AM

351 power

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Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 180

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From: NB, Canada

88 351w ignition

I seem to have a problem running my 88 351w engine with a points type distributor. This was a salvage job so I'm not to suprised. It seems to run best about 18 degrees advanced but this will run a bit hot at highway speeds. Any less advance and the valves are very noisy and the engine seems to be under load. The distributor is in the proper tooth but I'm wondering if the EFI cam is the problem with the timing. Can I run the distributor without the vacuum advance? Is there some mechanical advance in this 1973 distributor? Can I use more advance? Will the cam lead and lag affect my ignition this much? Am I way off base? Thank you for any input.

Sep 15, 2003 | 08:52 PM

thelonerangerxlt

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Joined: Aug 2000

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88 351w ignition

351, are you sure the mechanical advance mechanism is working? When you have a timing light on it, does the timing advance when you blip the throttle?

Are you sure the vacuum advance is connected to the correct "timed" carb port? You can remove the vacuum advance hose and plug the carb port, until you get it running better.

I don't think the FI cam would affect the timing that much. You probably have a faulty distributor; maybe the advance weights are sticking......