School Me On Distributor Performance
I'm wrapping up the installation of a new engine into my '68 Dart. One of the last "while I'm at it" items is upgrading the distributor. I've seen countless threads where it was advised to recurve the distributor for a notable power increase. As engine tuning is new to me, I thought I would ask some question before I proceeded.
Application: What I have is overhauled Magnum 360, Edelbrock heads, Lunati Voodoo 263/271, Airgap, Quick Fuel VS 750, and 340/Magnum manifolds. It will start off with a stock stall converter and 2.96 or so gears. The next major project will be rebuilding an 8.8 with 3.31's.
This is not a race car, but a fun street cruiser. So my power goals are focused more on throttle response and midrange torque.
The distributor is (I assume), the stock 273 points distributor, with the points replaced with a Petronix electronic conversion.
I purchased a Mr Gasket spring kit. Multiple times I have seen it referenced that you need to replace the heavier/slotted spring with one of the lighter springs from the kit. However, when I got down to the advance weights I found two identical springs, with about 10 loops each.
So would replacing one spring still be the best starting point?
When I played with the timing on the 273, I found that about 34 degrees all in left me about 10 degrees at idle. I'm assuming that leaves me with enough idle advance that I don't need to fool with a limiter plate. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Also, anything I should clean/lubricate while it's apart? I noticed there is a little trap door that looks like would allow me to lubricate the shaft, but not the advance mechanism. How often should I be adding lubricant, and what should I use? Engine oil?
I'm wrapping up the installation of a new engine into my '68 Dart. One of the last "while I'm at it" items is upgrading the distributor. I've seen countless threads where it was advised to recurve the distributor for a notable power increase. As engine tuning is new to me, I thought I would ask some question before I proceeded.
Application: What I have is overhauled Magnum 360, Edelbrock heads, Lunati Voodoo 263/271, Airgap, Quick Fuel VS 750, and 340/Magnum manifolds. It will start off with a stock stall converter and 2.96 or so gears. The next major project will be rebuilding an 8.8 with 3.31's.
This is not a race car, but a fun street cruiser. So my power goals are focused more on throttle response and midrange torque.
The distributor is (I assume), the stock 273 points distributor, with the points replaced with a Petronix electronic conversion.
I purchased a Mr Gasket spring kit. Multiple times I have seen it referenced that you need to replace the heavier/slotted spring with one of the lighter springs from the kit. However, when I got down to the advance weights I found two identical springs, with about 10 loops each.
So would replacing one spring still be the best starting point?
When I played with the timing on the 273, I found that about 34 degrees all in left me about 10 degrees at idle. I'm assuming that leaves me with enough idle advance that I don't need to fool with a limiter plate. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Also, anything I should clean/lubricate while it's apart? I noticed there is a little trap door that looks like would allow me to lubricate the shaft, but not the advance mechanism. How often should I be adding lubricant, and what should I use? Engine oil?
