[76GP]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Guy,mn.usa:
76gp, I would not back out of timing! In fact take the car out for run and advance the distributor until it pings under load...then take 4 degrees advance out after that. Timing should be set perfect! Every car/motor is different, some like more advance. It will idle better, make more vacuum and run better up top! And then give her 1/4 pedal when you start it...it won't drag. 20.00 hmmmm, 120.00 more like it....some guys pay 500.00
Guy </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

OK, I understand what your saying and I agree with that philosophy but maybe you can help in another area. I notice the more advance I put in the faster the engine runs. It's at the point now where the throttle linkage is no longer on the idle screw stop. It's backed all the way out and the engine idles at about 800 rpm. Messing with the mixture screws doesn't do anything except cause it to stumble as I turn them in. In fact, they are out about 5 turns. Seems to be where the engine runs the smoothest. Do you think that I might have another problem here? Maybe a vacumm leak in the intake somewhere? I was real careful when I bolted the intake down and torqued the bolts in a criss cross pattern in 10 lb increments. I have a new carb to manifold gasket and all the rubber hoses are new. As it stands right now, I pull about 16" at idle. Someone told me that Pontiac engines are hard to get to idle smoothly. I'm beginning to think maybe there is some truth to that statement.