440 help

[71chmark]

I finally got my 440 so the plugs aren't black but it still runs bad and surges at jerks a lot at cruising speed.  Sometimes I hear a valve train rattle and a gurgling sound when I shut it off.  I'm thinking bad lifter.  It also doesn't change when I remove the vavuum advance and hardly changes at all when I move the distributor to try and change the timing.  I'm going to install a new distribytor and lifters.  I'm at a loss what distributor to get.  My 440 is pretty much stock with a mild cam.

[FJ5_440]

I am certainly not as knowledgeable as some of these guys, but sounds like your timing is far too advanced and maybe lean.  What is your timing set at?  The rattle you hear is probably due to detonation, and the gurgling sound might be coolant running hot.  Usually a bad lifter isn't a "sometimes" kind of sound.
Although there are more modern and very good ignitions out there, for a reliable street set up I personally would go with the electronic ignition kit:

http://www.rosevillemoparts.com/product_info.php/p/electronic-ignition-conversion-kit-413-426-440/products_id/336

and maybe see if Dave can upgrade you to the chrome box.  Once you have this installed, and set the timing correctly, it will start easier and run smoother with very little hassle.

Once you know the timing and fuel mixture are correct, then you can fine tune performance.

[Chryco Psycho]

it could be 100 things wrong , lifter noise could be oiling problems or bad lifter , broken valve spring , or a cam going bad
Gurgling could be a heating issue which can mess with tuning
What manifold vacuum are you making at idle & in gear if it is an auto , you should have 4-6 * window where the timing makes minimal difference , something is way off if the timing is unresponsive