Distributer set up
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 424
Likes: 2
Distributer set up
I just fired my new 383 and am having a heck of a time with it. I've been running a Vertex Mag for the last 30yrs and it doesn't seem to be firing off the way it used to. So I'm sneding it in for complete service and advance curve update. I'm running a mech roller comp cams XR274R , 236 242 @.050" / .602 .608 lift with 1.6 roller rockers , AFR 195 heads, 9.4 comp ratio. I am planning about 12 deg. initial, 36 deg. total @ 2800. Does anyone have any advice?? Where do you think I should set the idle (RPM) I have a standard trans., this is a street car.
THANKS
THANKS
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 6
From: 68 427 4.11s Roadster
Let me be the first to start an arguement. 
First the idle. I set it as low as possible where it still runs well, and sounds well. Mine can go down to around 4-500 but kind of skips a few cylinders then
Set it where your engine likes it. This will be higher now than it will after break in. Readjust everything after break in since your engine will have more vacuum and other guts changes.
The timing, set it on the road doing road tests. Forget timing values used by others. Good for a starting point but not good for much else.
Like setting your timing for intial start and cam break in. Its close but not close enough.
From what you posted on timing. Your mechanical is 24*. Total will be whatever the engine/car can use. If its 13 use that if its 8 use that.
First the idle. I set it as low as possible where it still runs well, and sounds well. Mine can go down to around 4-500 but kind of skips a few cylinders then
Set it where your engine likes it. This will be higher now than it will after break in. Readjust everything after break in since your engine will have more vacuum and other guts changes.The timing, set it on the road doing road tests. Forget timing values used by others. Good for a starting point but not good for much else.
Like setting your timing for intial start and cam break in. Its close but not close enough.
From what you posted on timing. Your mechanical is 24*. Total will be whatever the engine/car can use. If its 13 use that if its 8 use that.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 424
Likes: 2
Techno, I understand what you are saying, but because I run a Vertex I am somewhat more limited than most. These units are dealer serviced and I have to ship it out. That is why I am seeking some input on these No.s. My 327 liked to idle at about 800 RPM, but this 383 is quite a bit nastier, I did get it to fire and from the way it runs I don't think it will like 800 RPM. Based on cam manufacturers info I think it will probobly want to idle around 1000 RPM. If I set the advance for 800 then I will have more advance then desired at 1000. However if I set it up for 1000, I would still have the desired advance at 800, and that is the way I am leaning. The reason I ask is that I know that comp cams XR280R is a popular cam, and mine is very close with the 1.6 rockers. I was hoping that someone could give me some info from actual experiance with this cam.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
From: PA
The 383 is going to be a lot more sluggish, than the 327, 327's rev very quick, I love em!! the longer stroke on a 236/242 cam. you might want a less aggressive curve on the distibuter, what kind of compression ???what kind of trans??? what kind of gears???
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
Originally Posted by jimmygmartin
I just fired my new 383 and am having a heck of a time with it. I've been running a Vertex Mag for the last 30yrs and it doesn't seem to be firing off the way it used to. So I'm sneding it in for complete service and advance curve update. I'm running a mech roller comp cams XR274R , 236 242 @.050" / .602 .608 lift with 1.6 roller rockers , AFR 195 heads, 9.4 comp ratio. I am planning about 12 deg. initial, 36 deg. total @ 2800. Does anyone have any advice?? Where do you think I should set the idle (RPM) I have a standard trans., this is a street car.
THANKS
THANKS
Everything sounds good, I think an idle around 800 rpm is realistic. My 383 with a little more cam than you are using is set at 800. A little lumpy, but I like it that way...G/L
