Timing A 1966 California HP383 Engine

[Mariposa Mike]

I wish to check my timing on the 66 California Charger with a 383 HP engine. This was the first year a smog device was required and only installed on CA cars I believe. So I have a vacuum module that I believe retards the spark/timing and a CAP carb which has a vacuum port routed to the module and then to the vacuum advance on the distributor. I thought the initial timing would be the same on the engine but the books say instead of 10-12 degrees BTDC these are timed 5 degrees after TDC. The current timing, whatever it is, does not cause any pinging but I have been running octane boost and lead additive. I'm looking for advice before I go deeper into this. At one point I thought about disconnecting/removing the module but was not sure if the CAP carb would be affected by doing that. Then thought well it's running okay and I like keeping cars stock if possible. In CA it's no longer required for pre 1975 cars to be smog tested every two years. I recall many years ago I could plug a vacuum line with a BB to block a vacuum port. But can't recall now why. Should I leave this alone or can I get a better running engine with more power w/o the device?

 

[#41]

Sounds similar to the OSAC valve I had on my 74 Rallye 440 Charger. I gutted it and ran the advance vacuum line right through the case. It looked completely stock. It should have improved HP a little, but from the seat of the pants it sure was not noticeable. So, my opinion is that any change will be negligible and just leave it stock.

 

[Some Car Guy]

I don’t know what all that garbage is, but I’d ditch it. Just run standard stuff with a normal hi po curve and be done with it.