Timing issue 440?

[69dodge383]

Put in a new distributor. Car seems fine for a few minutes then dies.
Too advanced or retarded? Car will start back up after dying at idle.
Engine ran fine with points, this is MSD pro billet with 6AL.
Just need to find the right timing setting again

 

[Hemirunner]

Did you put a timing light on it?

 

[69dodge383]

35-36* all in timing

 

[Crackedback]

Total timing is only a small part of the picture and has ZERO to do with the car at idle unless it is locked out.

If you dropped in the distributor as it comes out of the box, no chance it will run well with the MSD 28* bushing and advance springs.

What was the initial timing BEFORE you swapped out the distributor? Start the engine and get the initial/idle timing in the 18-20 range. I bet it's less than 10* right now. That cam is going to want in the 20* plus range for initial/idle timing to run properly. Do a little math and figure out the bushing you need. Get rid of the garage door advance springs MSD install OOTB.

I make 10 and 14 degree bushings so engines can get the initial timing they need and require. MSD dropped the ball on this one.

 

[69dodge383]

The timing is locked out
on the pro billet

 

[coloradodave]

The advance is not locked out UNLESS you locked it out...

 

[Hemirunner]

The advance is not locked out UNLESS you locked it out...

Correct and unless it's low compression and a stock cam, it will run much better locked out. What's the combo?

 

[69dodge383]

I locked out the timing on the distributor.


Engine specs

10.5:1 Mopar Pistons @.030
(446 c.i.)
Edelbrock Performer Heads
Hughes Solid Lifter Cam
278/283
245/250
.597. 613
108 LSA

 

[Hemirunner]

We would typically see max power at 34-35 degrees with those heads. I don't see any reason why that would die just by changing the igntion. It's probably leaner at idle now with the MSD (assuming you bypassed the ballast resistor) so you'd want to readjust the idle mixture.

 

[69dodge383]

Lean makes me think maybe too advanced and needs to be backed off?

 

[Hemirunner]

If it's 35-36 all in it's 35-36 at idle since you locked it out. If it's lean, you just add fuel using the idle mixture screws. If that timing is correct,(meaning you verified it with a light) leave it and get the fuel where it needs to be. Are you running the MSD coil and did you bypass the ballast?

 

[69dodge383]

Ok will check the idle mix.
This MSD is wired to a multi switch panel so it is on its own and not using any of the stock electric
Have new blaster 2 coil installed

Will tune on it some more today

 

[coloradodave]

I'm curious as to why you locked out the advance curve. Can you give me your reasoning for doing it?

 

[Hemirunner]

Ok will check the idle mix.
This MSD is wired to a multi switch panel so it is on its own and not using any of the stock electric
Have new blaster 2 coil installed

Will tune on it some more today

Just make sure that whoever did the wiring bypassed the ballast resistor. MSD coils want full voltage not reduced voltage as run through the ballast resistor.