Basic Tuning: HELP!

You really need a timing light, a vacuum gauge AND a Tach...but you can do it by ear.

Do this....ok?

Screw BOTH screws on the carb BACK in....then unscrew them 1.5 turns...each.

leave them there.

Now go sit in the car.

Sit there.

Focus on paying attention to the way the engine kicks off...

Does it wawaw-wawahhhhhhhhh

or does it kick (startup) immediately when you hit the start position?

Answer that one :____________________

Now...while its Running...however its running, rough, gasping, whatever...
unplug your vacuum advance and plug the vacuum line with a handy dandy stick (I dont know...be creative- a Plug).

Then, loosen the distributor holddown bolt...adjust the distributor (and tighten down the hold-down after each setting so it doesn't move on crankup) to the point where the starter will kick the engine off (warm) as soon as you touch the start position of the ignition....you may have to adjust, shut down, restart a few times.

Once you do that...hook up the vacuum gauge and note WHAT "THAT" VACUUM READING is..thats what it needs to be..you maybe surprised to find it will be around 15-16 in/hg steady as long as your idle is under 1000 rpm....then trim back your "curb" idle to 750-800 with the idle adjustment on your carb linkage, and put the car in drive/reverse with your foot on the brake....it shouldn't die, or stumble....if it does RETARD it another 1* or so.

Once you get the INITAL timing all set correctly....plug the vacuum advance hose back onto the vacuum canister.

One screw is Air Needle, one is a Fuel needle....and there only for tuning IDLE mixture....someone correct me if I am wrong...I do not claim to be a Edelbrock carb guru.

If the car will barely run with my recommended 1.5 turns OUT from bottom, try 2.5....matter of fact 2.5 sounds richer...and richer is better than leaner so do that.

Believe me on the way it cranks though...that is spot on correct...and tools aren't necessary to guess till you get it right.

The reason no one can tell you an specific timing mark to set it on is: Every engine is different, and while 10* intial is great for alot of cars, some like 11*, some might like 9* depending on combo, wear, altitude, or a whole slew of other factors...Timing should always take precedence over carb tuning.

If you want to get more advanced.....you really need a timing light.

Then your can plot your "stock" distributors advance curve and SEE how much advance it is actually giving.