I got my timing light in and set my timing according to the directions. I set it at 10 degrees. I had to idle it up to get it there and it didnt run very well. It wanted to pop back through the carbs at 10 degrees. Initially it was at about 24 degrees. If I set it around 16 degrees It runs good. Any suggestions? Am I using the wrong initial timing at 10 degrees. I need to get the initial timing right then I will check the advance. I think when we first built the engine we had the advance at about 34 degrees total advance.

 

sure you had the vacuum advance unplugged and capped off? vacuum leak somewhere? maybe cam timing off?

 

Accel mechanical disributor, No vaccuum hook up.Pulled Distributor when intake was changed. I replaced a weind stealth and a 850 DP with a tunnel ram and 2 4s. The engine ran fine with the other combo. Never had a light to set timing with, it was set by ear and feel. The truck ran very well with the other set up. I had to pull the distributor to change the intake. It went right back into place so I know it is not a tooth out. Someone told me that the balancer could be just a little bit off on the outside ring where the timing marks are.

 

if the timing marks did move it means the outside ring is starting to separate from the rubber- time to get a new damper
also with the tunnel ram and dual quad- thats designed for high rpm use, so timing will probably be different

 

i would help with this if i didnt always get yelled at by other members

 

looks like you have a unilite.i imagine you can set the curve and limit how much advance there is.if you can limit it down to say 15 deg advance and set it at 19 initial that would give you your 34 total and would be less soggy down low.as long as it still starts good hot.

hey troy-who's been yellin at ya?i'll give myself one guess...

 

that sounds like pretty sound advice bronco 521

 

What are the specs on the cam? Most aftermarket cams need more timing initially. My voodoo grind runs 16-18 initial timing.

 

The cam is a Comp Cams 305 Magnum, it has 580 lift. I got it set at 16 degrees initial with 34 degrees full advance. It seems to run well there. I can do fine tuning on it as run it.