To the Bruces (and other Chevy experts):
I made some progress today. Checked all the wires for proper connection, readjusted the throttle cable (it was improperly routed) and bought a timing light. Went to check the timing and the bozo mechanic struck again. Apparently he put the pulley on in the wrong positon for TDC, so I had to set the idle timing to a felt tip pen mark the rocket scientist used to mark TDC. I disconnected and plugged the vacuum advance tubes, and discovered that the timing at idle of 800 was 2 degrees advanced. I backed it down to -6 or -7 retarded and it seemed to idle much better. I reconnected the vacuum advance and ran it up to 2500 and it only advanced to about +6 or +8. Is it supposed to advance farther than this, as you indicated it should be to +36?
Also, called tech rep at Lunati and he stated that for that cam the setup was fine if the valve springs were strong enough. He urged me to check the rocker clearances as well as time it. I was told by the mechanic the cam was "mild" for street, the Lunati guy said it is not mild at all, more for a street/drag bracket racer cam.
Took it for a test drive, and it is worlds better at the higher revs, but it feels like there needs to be more power. Also, it idles high (1500+) in neutral (once completely warmed up), but if I put it in Drive at a stoplight, it idles way down to 500-600 and sounds like it is going to die.
Next steps: I am going to replace the aged HEI cap, rotor and coil (over 10 years since intallation, with lots of dwell time covered in the yard) as well as the vacuum advance unit. Is it worth it to get the adjustable vacuum advance? Go with stock HEI cap, rotor and coil or upgrade to aftermarket? Feel great to make some progress and drive the car in 70 degree weather today! Advice? Thanks again for the help.
