Originally Posted by sprink58

I'm going to throw some old school logic at you on this.

I would base line the timing at TDC with a static timing light...No1 at TDC and the distributor lighting up on the mark. Fire it up and let it run a bit. Then shut down...set up you timing light and start it making sure you don't see the timing mark wobbling around. Loosen the distributor enough to turn it a bit and bring it up to 8* BFTDC.

I think 14* initial is WAY too much. If this works...figure out what you want to have total advance at 3000 and have a distributor guy set those MSD's up.

I had a similar issue with my Vortecs setting them up and at the end of the day I found broken springs in both my distributors. You didn't mention the history of your distributors but if they aren't new...I would guess that's where your problem is.

You might call the guys at DUI in Memphis and talk to them about this. They have a "Small Top" replacement for the HEI's that might fit your set up. I sent my DUI's I bought on Swap Shop here to them and they set them up.

My Dad and Grand Dad always used to say that if air, fuel and spark all get there at the right time it will run good. Knowing that and 18436572,,,there is an answer to your problem LOL !!

Good Luck !!

Originally Posted by mike tkach

roots blown engines like timing at idle.his suonds lazy like not enough initial timing,also sounds like it has a few dead cylinders.

Originally Posted by hblair

Thanks guys, gonna be hard to sleep tonight now lol
What would you recommend the initial timing be set at?

Originally Posted by sutphen 30

w/ engine running,look done the carbs,,see if its dumping fuel.sounds like it needs carb work.as for the 14° initial.thats not the problem.I've run blower motors locked out at 32°.