quote:Originally posted by george pence:
Ron's motor originally had exhaust gas recirc, that means the compression ratio is 8.0:1. I normally twist the distributors on those motors for around 20 degrees initial advance and hook the vacuum advance canister straight to "ported" vacuum, no little vacuum signal control goodies in between. (the factory spec for that motor is 16 degres initial, so 20 degrees shouldn't give you any concern) I leave the vacuum retard side of the canister disconnected, always.
Even so, you should be able to operate the motor on 87 octane fuel. If the motor tends to "run on" or diesel with 87 you may need to switch to 89. Operating on the lower octane fuel will actually improve your fuel economy.
the cowboy from Hell
I had the run on problem but it was because my timing was set at bout zero. It ran too hot, but then I cranked her up to about thirty and that was just a tad too much so I think I have twenty or so right now. But I don't have a vacuum thingie on my distributer, it must be a chepie. It is a Mallory unilite. SO far it ain't been no trouble, but it must be inferior cause it doesn't have a vacuum advance.