john mann

Hello, just a quick question i have on some of my distributors i have here, i have a 1969 toronado 375 hp H/C dist, and a 1970 455 2 bbl H/C plus a 1970 455 4bb high compression from a ninety eight, i took the rotor off all three of these to see if the mechanical advance were working, what i noticed was the toronade one opened much further then the other 2 distributors, can anybody tell my why this is, and is there a advantage from one to the other ones, thanks for any info !! john !!

dragline

You may have to look at the underside of the weight pivot plate, there is a bushing that limits the travel which is attached to a post that hangs down from the pivot plate. The bushing may be gone, they are available in most recurve kits.
http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/97438/

john mann

Dragline, wow !! i took all three of the rotors off and looked underneath, sure enough they were there on all of them, the 455 4bbl one looked like that one was a little bigger, so it would not open as much as the other ones, iam thinking you would want one that really opens up all the way, like the toronado one i have ?? thanks for all your time and sending me the pic so then i knew what i was looking for and could figure all this out !! john........................

Fun71

The total advance is critical for performance and is made from the initial advance + the mechanical advance.
You can get the same amount of total advance with a high initial and low mechanical as you can with a low initial and a high mechanical.
The advance setup depends upon the engine configuration, so you can't say that one of those distributors is better than the other.

john mann

Fun71, thank you so much for your knowledge on these distributors, and your reply, there's much more to these that i thought, john....

dragline

John, timing can be a lot of fun to play with. Recurve kits and a dial timing light can get your engine exactly tuned to your driving. If you go with the point distributor, I would suggest the Accel points 32oz.and condenser #8104, a little pricey but very good quality. Also a good recurve kit. Be sure to wiggle the distributor shaft to check for play. Excellent YOUTUBE video.

https://www.holley.com/products/igni...iABEgLl9PD_BwE

john mann

WOW !!! This is the best video by far, iam going to watch it over and over till i can really understand this, these 2 guys are great and made a perfect video, thanks drag line and to all above for your tips and info to help me along on all this !!! john !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!