Helloeveryone... I have a 1969 olds cutlass with a rebuilt 350 with maybe 3K miles. It's bored .30 over and has a comp cam hydraulic top end based on cam part #42-222-4 (mild cam). With parts used, should be at about 350HP. Running into 3problems currently:

1)Ignition - had major missing and sputtering since rebuild, installed an MSD digital ignition system, 6AL, blaster 2, MSD wires, and new MSD mechanical dvance distributor. Cranking and idle is much better, but still feel like I'm getting some missing. Also, feels like the exhaust note changed slightly with MSD. A bit lower, if that makes sense. Timing maybe?

2)Fuel - installed holley 1450/1460 600CFM in placed of rebuilt quadrajet. The holley helped a ton, but I get some bog/hesitation now. Once it gets moving though, it screams, even chirps shifting to second. I'm only getting about 11lbs of vacuum, so maybe dropping power valve to .55???

3)Top end chatter - after changing oil from Castrol GTX 10W30 w/ cheapy filter to penzoil 10W30 w/ wix, I am getting valve chatter. Mostly noticeable at idle. It's both sides and all valves, isn't an individual tick, but chatter.

Any houghts on the issues above? Dropped about $1000 into carb and MSD hoping tohave a drivable car, but kinda still in the same boat as before. Any help would be great.

And here is a pic for those interested:

 

Which part# msd distributor did you use? Is it wired for full battery voltage or running of the resistance wire? What is your timing set to? Are you still using the stock rockers or are they adjustable?

 

8566 distributor I believe. And it gets full power from the 6AL digital box. Not sure on the rockers, I had a shop do the rebuild and haven't cracked it open since I dropped it in. I thought it odd that it just starting chattering after the oil change. Guessing it just liked it dirty.... also, I've getting plenty of oil pressure, 40-50s.


As for timing, backed over my timing light when doing the first test run, so had to more or less time it by ear and test drives. I'm guessing a good timing would be my first step. Suggestions on advance????

 

Your initial timing will be based on how much mechanical advance is dialed into your distributor. I suggest buying or borrowing a timing light. Read the instructions:
http://www.jegs.com/InstallationInst...1/121-8566.pdf

That's a lot of ignition for your application.

 

Couple things:

1) I would consider more carb. I had bog with a 600 cfm and it's a noted problem. A quick fuel 750 can be had for 300 bucks and is basically an easier to tune version of the holley.
2) I am running the xe268 but originally had the xe262- the vavletrain is loud with Comp cams (when I was building another member informed me of that and he was right)
3) Your issue is (most likely) not the power valve so I wouldn't look at that- low sound in the exhaust note (I'm guessing its "chuggy" sounding) + 11 in of vacuum is most likely very retarded timing or a vacuum leak. [for reference I'm 15"@800]
4) Not sure what kind of light you are in the market for but I'd suggest a dial back with digital display (about 75 bucks).

hope this helps.

 

Thanks 1BOSS83. I'm feeling like tossing the quadrajet back on for a quick sample to see if it does away with my bog. If so, I may look for a 750CFM to replace the 600. I have a mechanic here local who swears he can tune the 600CFM, but he's been too busy to dig in.


That's good to know on the xe262, that's the one I have now. I am assuming no short term damage will come from the clatter??? I plan on putting only a max of about 2K a year on it, so not too worried about long term wear.


Also thanks for the timing light tip. I will do that.


oldcutlass, I actually stuck with the stock mechanical advance springs and bushing on the MSD, by my calculations I had assumed it would need a mid level timing curve which was more or less the stock setting. Maybe I will play with it though, I'm really not that knowledgeable of this type system....yet, guessing I will need to learn.

 

Where are you located?

 

Near Houston, TX

 

First you need to determine where your timing is now. With your distributor the factory gives 21degrees of mechanical advance all in at around 4000 rpm. The normal rule of thumb is a total initial and mechanical of 36 all in at 2800-3000. If you want to try it there set your initial timing to 15 deg's BTC. I think it will be lazy there and give you the problem your having now.

In my opinion, I'd try the black stop bushing and 1 heavy silver and 1 light silver spring. Then set my initial timing to 18 degrees.

I would run 93 octane fuel.

 

Thanks oldcutlass, I'll try it.