Lotus76

What is the max mechanical advance you can get with a stock 76 HEI distributor.

If the springs are light enough to let it max out.

Lotus76

Anyone?

lars

It varies greatly from one distruibutor to another. Some of the short-curve distributors run an 18-degree curve, while others are in the 24-26 degree range. You can't change the length of the curve with the springs.

Lotus76

Thanks Lars,

That helps alot. It looks like my max is 22. I thought something was wrong or I was crazy.

I was shooting for 36 with 8 initial. never could make it happen.

I just got to 34 with 12 initial and it runs strong


Thanks again

John

lars

Bump that initial up to 14 so you get 36 total - it will run even stronger. I like to shoot for initial timing in the 16 to 18 degree range, and you can get this with a short-curve distributor. You don't ever want to run less than 12 degrees intial timing in a performance engine unless you're wanting to pass an emissions test.

lr172

Lars,

I am going through all of this on my 427. My HEI has the 18* curve ,which leaves my idle at 18*. However, I also have a vac. adv. which adds another 12-14, putting my actual idle advance at about 32. Is this OK?

lars

That's perfect - doesn't get any better. It should run very well.