Timing Update and Questions

[CUDA JAS]

Further to my earlier post, I reset my initial timing to 14degrees, car starts runs and idles ok (rumbles away at at 750 rpm with no problem).  No detonation that I can here under aceleration. 

The timing will advance all the way to 55 degrees as you rev it up (not sure if that is it, or at what RPM it stops advancing.)

The car does not bog at all from a dead stop when you mash the go pedel.  However, the car will not spin the tires from a dead stop, and it does not accelerate the way I would like / think it should.

So my question is, how do I fix it / make it better?

Here is what I know:

74 Cuda, 360 727 (stock converter), 3.23 gears, 27.5 in tall tires.
The engine is a around 9 - 1 compression.
Torker II intake,
Torker plus cam (@.050 Int dur. 222 , Ex dur. 234 Lift Int .447 Ex .450 Intake Centre line 107 Ex centerline 116)
750 Holly vac seconday carb.

I am open to hearing all options.  Lets start with tuning options, and go from there.

Jason

[Chryco Psycho]

you need a 2400 stall conveter to get the engine up into its powerband Before putting load on the engine

[UKcuda]

55 degrees advance is a hell of a lot.  If that is correct it's funny why it's not causing any preignition.  Maybe you have the vacuum tube connected when you are testing it ??

Either way if you want to do a bit of cheap tuning you should check out your advance plate to see what you've got - there's a little stop that moves in a slot - the longer the slot the more advance you've got.  You can work it backwards by working the slot until you have say 25 deg advance and then set initial to say 9 degrees which will give you 34 total (or use whatever figures you want).

Then you probably want it to come in by about 2500 or so which you do by changing the little springs - that part is more trial and error.

On the converter thing you might experiment using a smaller stock one from a 318 which will stall higher on your 360, perhaps around 2000.  I did that years ago on my 340 Challenger and it was good.  Can't remember what compatibility issues there are with that though and it probably won't be as tough as an aftermarket one.

[moper]

What is the cylinder pressure reading from it? Do you know it's 9:1, or you used a piston that says it's 9:1? It should have little problem turning the tires from a dead stop. Something's making it soft. That cam wouldn't make it to my "top 10" choices list.

[UKcuda]

That cam wouldn't make it to my "top 10" choices list.

His cam is pretty close to the one I have chosen - what are your top ten so I can compare ?

[CUDA JAS]

55 degrees advance is a hell of a lot.  If that is correct it's funny why it's not causing any preignition.  Maybe you have the vacuum tube connected when you are testing it ??

Either way if you want to do a bit of cheap tuning you should check out your advance plate to see what you've got - there's a little stop that moves in a slot - the longer the slot the more advance you've got.  You can work it backwards by working the slot until you have say 25 deg advance and then set initial to say 9 degrees which will give you 34 total (or use whatever figures you want).

Then you probably want it to come in by about 2500 or so which you do by changing the little springs - that part is more trial and error.

On the converter thing you might experiment using a smaller stock one from a 318 which will stall higher on your 360, perhaps around 2000.  I did that years ago on my 340 Challenger and it was good.  Can't remember what compatibility issues there are with that though and it probably won't be as tough as an aftermarket one.

Thanks Chryco, that is on the list, but is a ways out right now.  The biggest problem is that the tranny is a lock up tranny form a 1980 New Yorker, so the converter selction is somewhat limited.

In the mean time, I will try to tune on it a bit.

I have done all testing with the Vac advance diconnected.  THe dist is stock, but I have changed the springs (or at least replaced the large stock spring, with an aftermarket one).  Maybe I should have replaced both of the stock springs.  I will pull it out and have a look if I can limit the adavance.  If not I guess I can always epoxy the slots to limit the advance.

What is the cylinder pressure reading from it? Do you know it's 9:1, or you used a piston that says it's 9:1? It should have little problem turning the tires from a dead stop. Something's making it soft. That cam wouldn't make it to my "top 10" choices list.

The enging is a 1980 vintage, and the heads have been shaved a bit.  The pistons are the stock dished units (the block was in great shape and the stock bore was used). 

The motor was built back when I was in highschool (early 90s), so at the time the cam seemed like a good choice.  I would not be opposed to a different cam some where down the line.

Jason

[UKcuda]

Interesting, I'll soon be getting all the engine and running gear off a 1984 New Yorker.  I hadn't thought but I guess that will have a lock up transmission as well.   I'm not sure if it's a 318 or a 360 but it's free !

The guy is going to use it in a demolition derby (I think you call it) so I'm hoping the motor etc. doesn't get beat up too bad.

off thread, sorry.

This is back on thread:

http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/engine/mopp_0301_mopar_electronic_ignition_system/index.html

They used a spot of weld to shorten the advance slots.

You normally want to go lighter on the springs - as an experiment you can even try just leaving one of them off.

[Chryco Psycho]

I assume you are getting to 55* advance with the vacuum advance hooked up which would be more normal

[CUDA JAS]

I assume you are getting to 55* advance with the vacuum advance hooked up which would be more normal

Nope.  55* with out the vacume advance!

[Chryco Psycho]

well you definatly need to shorten the curve so you get 16 at idle & around 36-38 total , welding the slots in the advance plate is one option

[CUDA JAS]

well you definatly need to shorten the curve so you get 16 at idle & around 36-38 total , welding the slots in the advance plate is one option

Will epoxy work.  I do not have a welder.

[UKcuda]

I assume you are getting to 55* advance with the vacuum advance hooked up which would be more normal

LOL that's what I thought.

Will epoxy work.

I would guess epoxy would be OK to experiment with.  It doesn't have to be super strong as long as it stays put.  Maybe you can play with it like that and if you get what you like then take it to a welder.

Or you could get a welder - If you're anything like me you'll wonder how you ever managed without one.

[CUDA JAS]

LOL that's what I thought.

I would guess epoxy would be OK to experiment with.  It doesn't have to be super strong as long as it stays put.  Maybe you can play with it like that and if you get what you like then take it to a welder.

Or you could get a welder - If you're anything like me you'll wonder how you ever managed without one.

Oh I would love a welder, but my garage does not have the space for it!!!

So I think I will give the epoxy a try (should be easier to file away at too!!)
It should create a permanent bond, so I think it will work.

I am on vacation the next two weeks, so I shoudl be able to get this done.


Jason

[UKcuda]

Oh I would love a welder, but my garage does not have the space for it!!!

Keep it in the house then 

[CUDA JAS]

Keep it in the house then 

Don't think the wife would like that!