I used an electronic distributor from a /6 truck when I did my electronic ignition change over. I've read a lot about distributor curve on this site but I'm not sure what I need to look for in regard to my distributor setup. Or exactly what distributor curve is for that matter. I put a new advance pod on it and it responds better now, but how do I know if I'm running at the best settings for the car? I have a 70 Valiant that I changed to Super Six. I currently have the timing set @ 10 - 12 degrees advance. With the vacuum hose off, it doesn't appear that I'm getting much mechanical advance and the throttle is slow to respond. Since there is no tag to get exact readings, I'd have to say I'm somewhere around 30 degrees advance with the hose attached. Is this where I should be? It seems a little slow to respond for my taste.

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70 Valiant Super Six

You can pull the distributor apart and see what your governor is capable of and/or you'll need a vacc. hand pump, vacc. gauge, tachometer and a dial back timing light...

Get a note pad, disconnect the vacc. hose, plug vacc. source.

Check static timing at TDC and note that.
Start engine and make notes of timing with dial back gun at various speeds (like idle, 800rpm, 1000rpm...1200,1500,1800,2000,2300,2500).
Set engine back to 1000 rpm (note the timing)...
Attach hand pump to vacc. adv. pod...pump pod to various vacc. readings noting the chnages with the timing light (comes on @ 6", all in @ 12"...etc...)

This will give you all the data for the curve, you also need to go take a drive and note things like highway cruise for your car with everything hooked back up like normal ( 65mph @2000 rpm with 15" steady vaccuum)...so you can look and see what your timing is doing at those points (in the above case...let's say 12 initial + 16 mech + vacc. pod is set for 10 deg adv @ 15-17" vacc... so your timing is 38...not the best advance for highway mileage...so you try to dial or replace the vacc. pod with one that might give you 20 deg. @15" but not enough to cause ping at high vaccuum low rpm applications (like off idle at the stop light)...


Lots of data, and playing...sounds like you need to deep six the truck distributor since it'll have heavier springs for a less quick advance and try for a 1976 A-body distributor or one for a super six H-body.


-D.Idiot

What happened to the old points distributor? I suggest you take both apart and put the springs from the origional into the truck distributor. While you have things apart, look for stamping on the governor plate of the truck dist which will tell you how much mechanical advance it's designed for.

It's also possible that the weights are sticking or one of the springs are broken.

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1980 Aspen 225 super six

I kept all the original parts I took off. It's supposed to be a beautiful weekend here. This will give me something to do. Thanks.

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70 Valiant Super Six