Advance adjustment(s)

Greetings:

Re: A one-each 'performance' distributor, aluminum body. One of the <$200 units, not any fancy billet blingy.

It was advertised as having 'quick' springs in it. I haven't been INto it to check, but mechanical is all in by 1800rpm or so.

What I want to resolve is an idle speed issue. I'm running a 3844 HE cam. It will idle at 700rpm fine (oil at 60psi), but it won't DROP to that idle from a higher RPM without pulling the engine speed down with the clutch.

The idle speed won't drop 'cuz the springs let the advance work, which raises the engine speed, which keeps the springs stretched..a positive feedback kind'a thing.

I would prefer the idle to be around 1000rpm or so, but can't GET there because of the 'loop': Idle is either lower than I'd like (no advance) or higher than I'd like (mechanically advanced) if I don't pull the rpm down with the clutch.

I see the lighter springs available for the distributor, but the only 'kit' I see that would get me stiffer springs is P5153446 and I don't need all the stuff that part comes with.

Any input on some method other than stiffer springs to get to where I want to go rpm-wise?

Maybe a set of springs that isn't $40?

FWIW: Mechanical is set to 28º, total to 44º, ported vacuum. That's a good bit lower total than usual to resolve some detonation I get when not using rather 'exotic' fuels (Trick or VP...or clear 92 with a 5% toluene add). HE specs the cam at 175psi, my engine is 175.

Any pointers appreciated! Thanks!