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440 c.i. Charger starting help

The factory PCV has a limit to much minimum vacuum it will work with. When the vac is below the minimum, it opens & lets a LOT of air in. I would expect the PCV would work ok with 13.5" of vac. Is the vac reading accurate? Quick test to see if the PCV is working is to put your finger on it at idle. If you feel pulsation, it is not working.


And 18* of initial timing is NOWHERE near enough for an aggressive cam. Try this 5 min test: engine idling, timing still at ~ 18, slowly advance the dist until you get the highest rpm. Then check the timing; my prediction is 30-45* & that is what the engine WANTS for best idle quality, & tip in response. Giving the engine the correct idling timing will often fix an off idle stumble. One method to increase idle timing is to use vac adv connected to manifold vac.
Examples below.

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you're saying that mechanical plus the vac pod timing at idle wants to be 35-40? i can believe that. my number is 18* initial mechanical only.
 
you're saying that mechanical plus the vac pod timing at idle wants to be 35-40? i can believe that. my number is 18* initial mechanical only.
At that set timing at idle it would be hard to start. I cant imagine why anyone in there right mind would want that much initial timing.
 
At that set timing at idle it would be hard to start. I cant imagine why anyone in there right mind would want that much initial timing.

he's not talking about initial mechanical only. he is talking about initial mechanical plus whatever vaccum pod timing is being advanced from the manifold vacuum hookup.

at cranking, you would have no vacuum so you're just cranking on initial mechanical only.
 
Texas,
Try the simple test in post #20, & you will see.......
I do not know/have not seen your car but I CAN tell you three things will happen:
- idle rpm will increase
- vac will increase
- idle will be smoother.

All indicators of the engine making more HP, just from increasing the timing at idle.

GM divisions used MVA until 1968 as standard, until emission concerns forced the use of useless PVA. Chrys missed the boat on this one....
My GTO left the showroom idling at 26*: 6* init + 20* added with MVA. Chevs generally had 24*.
So, 26*, with a mild factory cam? Suddenly, 30+* at idle doesn't sound so radical does it.....
Below is from 1967 factory manual.

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