I am now assembling my motor (400 in a 78 f-150 4x4) and one of the things that weighs heavily on my mind is the pinging issue using the factory distributor after removing the EGR. I've read for hours from the searches I've done and now am more confused than before. I am starting to think that if I don't have a distributor machine to "set up" my stock dist then I might be better off buying aftermarket. That brings the question. If I buy a Procomp dist do I have to run a procomp ignition box and coil or can I use the factory equiptment?

400
flattop pistons
comp cams 255 deh-k
edelbrock performer
holley 600

Thanks for your input.

 

who's to say an aftermarket dizzy "out-of-the-box" will not be a pinging nightmare? my guess is that it may be just that.

http://www.reincarnation-automotive.com

how far is this guy from you?

 

procomp makes an hei distributor that I have on my kids bronco and I'm getting one for my 400 build- it's on order as they are out. It includes the coil on the cap and the only hookups are the lead from your key and your tach. thats it. it bypasses all else.

 

That is the GM HEI system, it still needs to be set up properly for your application. Some companies will set up a custom advance curve. The following will be close to what you need.

1971 distributor specifications for the 400
===============================================
This was the GOOD year for the 400 engine before it was smogged to death.
-------------------------------
Distributor part #D00F-U
Centrifugal Advance Start: 0-0.5° @ 350RPM Finish: 14° @ 2275RPM
Vacuum Advance Start: 0-1° @ 5" Finish: 12.5° @ 25"
Point Dwell: 26-31°
Initial Timing: 10° BTDC, 6°BTDC California.
Vacuum given in inches of Mercury (Hg).
RPM specified as distributor RPM.
Degrees specified as distributor degrees.
---------------------------------
Double those values for crankshaft figures:
Example: 0-0.5° @ 350RPM distributor becomes 0-1° @ 700RPM on the engine.
--------------------------------

FYI:
Engine specs for the 1971 400:
==============================
260HP @ 4400 RPM, 400 LB-FT @ 2200 RPM (Brake/flywheel figures)
Compression: 9.0:1
Cam timing set straight up.
Carb: 2V
Engine code: S
Cam # D1AZ-6250-A
Lifters: HYD
Adv Duration: I/E/overlap 256/272/36
Intake Events:Open/Close
Advertised:17BT/59AB
At 0.050":30AT/8AB
Exhaust Events:Open/Close
Advertised:71BB/21AT
At 0.050":37BB/37BT

 

i know that '71 is the "best year" dist. to use, but my truck ('77) has electronic ignition. is there a way to set up one of these newer distributors to get these same settings? is it just a matter of setting up the centrifugal advance correctly, or is there more to it?

 

thanks for the input so far. That's a good question Sparky... I would also like to know.
grclark... I've read the post about that guy. I didn't realize that he was in WA state. That puts him about 2 hours from me. It would make shipping pretty quick. I'll give him a call today.

 

http://www.hotrodsusa.com/store/ignition.html
Try this link, I just bought one of these distributors for my engine, Should be here in a couple days. It's on clearance for $99.99 with a 5 year warranty. Jiom

 

hard to argue with $100 for a complete dizzy with coil! i think i read a post that those have an optic/light system in them?

 

Have not heard about an optic/light system. Understand they are just like the old Chevy HEI, Plain, basic system. Even uses the GM cap and hei coil. Jim

 

There are a number of GM HEI type systems available. There are advantages to using off the shelf OEM type parts.

As far as curving the distributor. The mechanical part is fairly easy. Getting the vacuum part right is tough. Getting the start and end points set properly without the right spring in the vac advance unit is impossible. It takes someone who knows how to operate a distributor machine with a knowledge of what parts are available to do the job. There are threads here that list the advance mechanism part numbers but they may need difficult modifications. The aftermarket units may or may not have the right settings. I have never seen anyone post distributor specs for an aftermarket unit.

 

I gave www.reincarnation-automotive.com a call. I am definitly going to go with him. He asked all kinds of questions regarding the set up of the dist. CR, piston-deck measurement, carb/manifold, header/manifold, type of driving, among many others. He gives the option of buying a dist from him that is set up for your application and sending it to you or he'll rebuild your dist and then even tune the motor. As he puts it "you'll leave with your motor running as good as it can". I only live about 2 hours from him so I figure it will be time and money well spent!
Thanks for the replies

Mike