propane distibuter conversion
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New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18
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From: Princeton
propane distibuter conversion
Does anybody know how to recurve a distributer for a 1973 390 to run propane. The last conversion I did I had someone rip me of to the tune of $100.00 to do the dist. for me.
I understand it involves new springs and weights, but can it be that simple?
Any suggestions for a good how to site would be helpfull as the last conversion I did was about 12 yaers ago and I have lost all my books.
I understand it involves new springs and weights, but can it be that simple?
Any suggestions for a good how to site would be helpfull as the last conversion I did was about 12 yaers ago and I have lost all my books.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 12
From: SW Michigan
distributer recurve
Art, yeah, it is easy to change the springs and weights, but are you sure you want to ? Why do think that a propane burner needs a differant curve ? Howabout the curve you have now, but advance the initial timing to take advantage of the anti-knock ability of the propane ? Have you considered the engines compression ?....Doesn't propane like some more ? DF
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New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18
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From: Princeton
sure propane love a 13:1 compression but its not required. My bagged out 300 cid ran great on propane and when I swapped it out It only had about 30-60 Lbs per cyl. The last V8 I put on propane without changing the curve damn near blew my exhaust system clean of the truck and almost gave the old guy behind me flash backs to WW II. T distributer definatly has to be re curved I just want to know if it is as simple as changeing the weights and springs? Or is there something else that needs to be done? I live in a very rural comunity of about 2000 peaple and nobody seems to know. I am a licenced mechanic so I know the responce I will get from another mechanic over a long distance phone call is going to be neglagable.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,471
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From: Greenwood In. USA
Propane is high octane so it likes a high intial advance 18degrees or so topping out at about 32degrees at 3000rpm. You can change the weights and springs but it works better to do it on a tester so you can double check/run the curve. If this engine is dual fuel you cannot change the curve but MSD has a sister division (Autotronics) that makes electronic "Dual Curves" so you can optimize for both fuels
Hope this helps
Hope this helps
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 88
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From: So. Texas
MSD has an alternative fuels division that can supply you with everything needed to do this properly.
I suggest the Programmable Timing Computer to adj. the timing manually. This replaces ALL of the springs and weights inside the distributor, and timing changes are made with ***** on the magic box.
I wish I would have known about this sooner.
I suggest the Programmable Timing Computer to adj. the timing manually. This replaces ALL of the springs and weights inside the distributor, and timing changes are made with ***** on the magic box.
I wish I would have known about this sooner.
