Power Timing your Buick V8

This part:


But I guess looking at it now... that tab needs to go OVER the plate, mine ig is bent from when I put the crane vacuum advance unit in. I now know what I gotta do. Thanks

 

Was there a specific measurement on where the hole needs to be at on the VA unit? Or just kinda eyeball it? Or push the plate up to where it contacts the pin as said, and wherever the bolt hole in the plate is, that's where the screw hole will be... yes?

 

Ah, I see it now. Was on a phone.

 

Ok here’s something I don’t think I’ve read yet.

I have a 69 430 from an Electra, bone stock, in my 65 Skylark. Distributor is a 1111335 (correct for a 69 Electra) and does not have a bushing in it for the centrifugal advance. It does have a Pretronix Ignitor II in it. Do I need to install the bushing from my Mr Gasket kit? And run more initial?

I put in the lightest springs from both the crane kit and the mr gasket kit. With different results (38* with the Mr Gasket light springs). With the crane springs I’m getting 30* at about 2500. If I push it to 3200 in getting 32*. Everything I’ve read says I should be maxed out way before that with the light springs. And what’s up with the different amounts of advance?

Yes vacuum advance unhooked and plugged and I’m using a craftsman dial back timing light. And initial set at stock 0*

 

Well I’ll give it a try see who she runs. Could use a little more low end grunt. Then work on the vacuum advance.

Thanks Larry

 

You need the bushing for a positive stop otherwise the weights will rock and give up to 4 more degrees just when you don't want or need it.
I had one like that. I thought all was in at 2500 but at 4500 another 4 deg came in. Saw on a distributor machine (remember those?) but never revved it high enough in the car to see it.

Could be just enough extra advance to hurt a motor......

 

Bruce,
On a different subject can you PM me, I have a question for you.
Thanks,
Doug

 

Does all of this valuable information hold true if using a Pertronix module?

 

Yes. You still have mechanical advance timing.

 

So I contacted MSD for an advance kit with springs and bushings for a 70 distributor. The distributor has a Lectra Limited breakerless ignition. They said that they don't carry anything that will work stating that the springs they have won't fit.
Ditto for Crane.
Spectre has a kit but I was told the bushings may be sloppy when installed.
Throwing my points ignition back in till I can figure out where to get a good kit.
The current springs, and the only ones I have, are allowing my MA to start right at curb idle around 750 RPM.

 

Thanks Larry.