Doug,
In reading your response to "playing with distributor" dated Feb. 10, 2001, where do you get the "stepped springs" and "light springs" you refer to?

Also, I purchased a MoPar Performance Distributor #P3690788, and found no stepped spring, only one light spring on the opposite side. Is this normal for this distributor, or should I go back to Chrysler and ask for the rest of my stuff?

Hey, that's not a bad idea. Then again, if you asked that question to today's MoPar "parts counter jockey", he would most likely try to sell you some valve springs or some other over-priced and won't fit or doesn't work part. (Ouch, did I say that!?!)

You would be better off just going to the junkyard and pulling some extra springs out of a stock distributor. If you are not up to that, I'm sure I could mail you some, let me know.
DD

Does anyone know how many advance springs are in the MP Slant 6 electronic distributor? I have a new never used one I bought on Ebay some time ago for $30. (Yea, you guys missed it! ) Anyway, it only has one light advance spring in it. The other weight has NO spring at all. Anybody know?

Only one spring is included with the distributor

Different years and applications of distributors use different spring arrangements for different mech. advance curves. It's best to tune this (with springs and slot welding/grinding) to YOUR engine and car combo.

Lou

Thanks for spelling this out Lou. You hit the real issue. For top engine performance, a timing curve NEEDS to be adjusted for an individual engine.

My experience is that a "single spring" setup is OK for some types of race setups, but it is not that good for "street performance". You will get better results with a dual (2) "stepped spring" approach.
DD

Doug,

You wrote an excellent article on the topic in the old Slant 6 News magazine in 1988 or so. But! We've now had 13 years' additional experience, plus today's fuels are different, etc. How about an article or at least some pointers, starting from the "single light spring" MP distributor, for how to dial-in the best advance curve for street driving? I agree, the "all the advance in REAL QUICK" single light spring setup is NOT the ticket for street driving.

DS

OK....I will put this article on the list, stay tuned!
DD