[JSchmitz]

Originally Posted by TRADERMIKE 2012

This Engines Ignition was timed @ 6 degrees BTDC prior to recently returning the proven Cam timing to 113.5 from 109.5. Then we checked the Initial Ignition Timing and it moved to 10 degrees BTDC, without touching anything, especially the Distributor, why? We returned the Ignition Timing back to a factory setting of 6 degrees BTDC where it seems to work just fine for our purposes.

I am thinking that mathematically speaking 10 degrees - 6 degrees = 4 degrees that we moved the Cam timing that had the effect on the Initial Timing change?

The distributor is driven by the cam. Changing cam timing does change ignition timing.

Why are you so against recurving your distributor? Yours is way off in my opinion. You have too little initial, and too much total, advance. A proper distributor setup is essential to performance, cooling, mileage, etc.

[TRADERMIKE 2012]

Originally Posted by JSchmitz

The distributor is driven by the cam. Changing cam timing does change ignition timing.

Why are you so against recurving your distributor? Yours is way off in my opinion. You have too little initial, and too much total, advance. A proper distributor setup is essential to performance, cooling, mileage, etc.

I will break in the Trans. first and then I will move on to the Distributor next in line of things to accomplish. I do have the rebuild parts to do this project. I just thought it ran as good as it should, as is. I have read about "how to curve the dist." I am just adamant of making any more race type changes to this Engine that are not needed on the street. like over Timing the Cam "Soga" that I just spent too much time on, just to be back to where I started. Don't get me wrong, I want to learn about these types of procedures, as long as I can truly benefit in doing so, in my case it is street use only. For example, learning how to use the degree wheel and advancing Cams, etc... At least I now know that the Melling manufacture of my "041" Cam correctly milled the part, even though I installed it straight-up at the end.

You said:
"You have too little initial, and too much total, advance."

Mike wants to know: "what is your suggestion of what my dist. should be built/timed to?" I have read about many different timing numbers over the years. One member also claims that it is a waste of time to recurve the dist. for the parts, like springs are inferior metals. Other forum members state that only the 7 second 4 cyl. rocket cars need this kit, etc... Not a 4,000 lb Vehicle like mine. For these reasons I have put the recurving of my dist. on hold, until now, I will consider it after I prove that I have no more problems.

[JSchmitz]

Originally Posted by TRADERMIKE 2012

I will break in the Trans. first and then I will move on to the Distributor next in line of things to accomplish. I do have the rebuild parts to do this project. I just thought it ran as good as it should, as is. I have read about "how to curve the dist." I am just adamant of making any more race type changes to this Engine that are not needed on the street. like over Timing the Cam "Soga" that I just spent too much time on, just to be back to where I started. Don't get me wrong, I want to learn about these types of procedures, as long as I can truly benefit in doing so, in my case it is street use only. For example, learning how to use the degree wheel and advancing Cams, etc... At least I now know that the Melling manufacture of my "041" Cam correctly milled the part, even though I installed it straight-up at the end.

You said:
"You have too little initial, and too much total, advance."

Mike wants to know: "what is your suggestion of what my dist. should be built/timed to?" I have read about many different timing numbers over the years. One member also claims that it is a waste of time to recurve the dist. for the parts, like springs are inferior metals. Other forum members state that only the 7 second 4 cyl. rocket cars need this kit, etc... Not a 4,000 lb Vehicle like mine. For these reasons I have put the recurving of my dist. on hold, until now, I will consider it after I prove that I have no more problems.

I understand car struggles very well. lol

I would try 12-14 degrees initial and 34-36 total timing. Try to get total timing about 3-3,500 rpm (combo dependent). Get good factory distributor weights and center cam. Do a little research. Lots of information on good factory parts. Then use aftermarket springs to get the curve right. Do some test and tune to find what your car likes. Different combinations of vehicle weight, gears, converter, compression ratio, etc. like different curves.