The distributor that came on my Buick 350 only has the numbers "W06 14" on it. There are no other numbers anywhere. The motor supposedly came out of a 1977 Buick wagon. Looking online, "W06" is a RPO code for a Century Estate Limited wagon (although I'm not sure it was in '77?). Could this be a factory distributor, or is it probably aftermarket? I'm almost ready to time (using the great "Power Timing" thread) & I'll search the forums for this answer but - how important is it that I figure out what I have (is it harder or not possible to get timing / advance right without knowing what I'm starting with)? W06 14 by bm11 posted Feb 25, 2024 at 8:26 AM
So, it's an HEI distributor, possibly from a 1977 Buick 350. There is the possibility it is a re manufactured distributor. Looks like a machined surface where the numbers are. It really doesn't matter from a power timing perspective. If you set the total timing to 30-34*, the initial timing will end up where it HAS to be based on the amount of mechanical advance in the distributor.
I think those HEI from the 73 up motors have the advance going too far so when you do the total timing it may not have enough initial for idle in drive. You may have to add a bigger stop for the total advance so the initial can be higher at idle in gear.
I'm not sure that is an OEM distributor. The smooth surface and stamping might mean it is an aftermarket HEI. All bets, as far as amount of mechanical advance in it, are off.
Just to be sure that I understand - I'll be able to figure that out, right?: The degrees at which mechanical advance stops advancing, minus initial timing = mechanical advance built into the distributor?
Yes, but you must be absolutely sure that all the mechanical advance is in before you make that calculation. The best way to be sure is to use the lightest springs that allow full advance at low RPM. Then to get the true initial, there can be no mechanical advance, so heavy springs and the lowest possible RPM. Once you have accurately measured the two, simple subtraction gives you the answer.
Thank you! I have an advance curve kit ordered, so I'll have a full assortment of springs & I know what to do.
I created a tool to measure my mechanical advance. I marked it at the 'closed' position, and marked it at the full-stop 'open' position. I get 20 degrees. As far as measuring how much advance this distributor has built in, is there any more to it than this? If not, based on what I've learned, this is good, yes? If my all-in target is 32 degrees (stock 350), I get a nice initial of 12 degrees & no need to adjust to modify the distributor (weld slots), and I just need to play with springs to get the advance to start above idle and stop at 2500RPM or a little less. And I know - this is all without vacuum advance. Mechanical Advance by bm11 posted Mar 14, 2024 at 12:02 PM
