. . I recently replaced the stock GM points and condensor distributor with a newer HEI distributor. . '68 Parisienne 327. . Setting the timing took a while because I did not believe what I was reading. . If I set the timing at 4 deg BTC the car would barely run. . If I moved it up to about 12 deg BTC it would run but had no power. . Used a vacuum gauge and got highest reading at about 20 deg BTC. . Car seemed to run normal. . I just did an engine rebuild so I double checked the marks on the balancer with the timing cover off and they were dead on. .
. . Currant timing is about 20 deg BTC according to the timing light. . Any ideas what all this means. .
. . When you are installing the timing chain and gears everything is set up at exactly TDC. . Once this is done you place the timing cover on the dowles and start the harmonic balancer on to the keyway. . The mark on the balancer should read -0- to the timing tab. .
When u have manifold vac. Supplied at idle it will advance the distributor. Which is why they say to plug the vac. When setting the base timming. Either way do what makes the engine run best.
I found selecting a constant 12v source was a bit of a problem. Cause HEI needs full 12v all the time. Some say go to your fuse box at ign. terminal, others to starter. My timing was set to 8 degrees with vac. What did you do for 12 volts? Brian
I found selecting a constant 12v source was a bit of a problem. Cause HEI needs full 12v all the time. Some say go to your fuse box at ign. terminal, others to starter. My timing was set to 8 degrees with vac. What did you do for 12 volts? Brian
open up your harness and replace the resistor wire back to the bulkhead connector. it is 12v up to the connector from the ign switch.
1. when checking your timing, the vacuum line from the carb to the distributor needs to be plugged, but the line going into the distributor is to be left open (it's not really doing anything anyway).
2. HEI needs 12v. The resistor wire used for points does the same things as the old ballast resistor, it limits the voltage to the coil. Verify you have a full 12V getting to the HEI distributor.
Yes you need 12V ignition power. And I would go ported vacume at 8 to 12 degrees - not manifold vacume. And check your total advance. Try not to go much higher than 40 degrees. You may have to replace the vacume advance unit if your total is too high. Get one for mid 70's Pickup with 350. Should fix you up. Oh and before you do anything make sure the centrifical weights are free and returning properly. Good luck.
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'68 Parisienne 2+2 Convertible Matador Red (Resale Red but not for sale).
