Hey Guys,
Looking for some help and guidance. I recently got my engine back from the builder and got it installed. Here is the layout:

• '69 455 block bored .060
• SRP 208803 forged pistons (might have raised compression some?)
• Comp Cams 42-114-3 cam (from what I can tell, its their version of the W-31 cam):
  • Advertised duration 308/308
  • Duration at .050 233/233
  • Lift .474
  • Lobe separation 113
• Comp 1442 Roller tip rockers (I believe they are 1.6)
• Stock Q-Jet
• Stock distributor and weights

The car still has the original OH transmission (not sure about the torque converter) and 3.42 gears. The problem is we can't seem to find the sweet spot in the timing to make the engine run and idle. Either it idles at 1500 RPM in park in order for it to stay running once we drop it in gear or it pings under harder acceleration. We've tried it with vacuum advance connected and disconnected. I'm starting to wonder if I need to replace the torque converter to something with a higher stall speed. Does any know what the original OH transmission torque converter stall speed is?

Any suggestions or comments are welcome...we're running out of ideas and the weather is getting nicer.

Thanks in advance,
Dino

 

Dino,
Wish I could be of help, but this is beyond my skill set. Just hoping all works out well.
I'm planning to attend the H/OCA National Meet in Lansing this July. Would enjoy seeing you there if you're going. Enjoyed meeting you at the 2019 meet in Indy.

 

Thanks Tom. I won't be attending the Lansing meet but hope we can meet up again soon.

 

Since you don't have an answer yet, I am not afraid to ask the dumb questions of you.

1) What timing did you end up using? At idle, advanced, etc.?
2) I am sure that the idle is kind of lumpy, so are you sure that you don't have a vacuum leak somewhere?

Good luck!

 

I have the same cam and stock quadrajet in my car, cam was degreed by the engine builder. I've put over 12,000 miles on it, idles and runs great. Set timing at 7 degrees, don't remember what pistons he put in. I did have to install a 1" spacer under carb to cure vapor lock when hot. Make sure you degree the cam if it wasn't done. Sounds like vacuum leak.