I was thinking I had an ignition problem, at around 3200 rpm under load engine sounds and felt like ignition breakdown. Sounded like it did when I had a bad coil a while back. I am running an MSD 6AL with the Mallary Unilite distributer. All of the ignition components are new. Car starts and idles fine and I can rev it up sitting still to 4000 rpm with no problem. Just under a load does it start crappin out. I ran down the road with a voltage meter to confirm I do not have any voltage drop to the MSD while driving, a bit high at 14v but steady as a rock. No resister in that line.
On startup, I do have a lifter or 2 that takes a bit longer to pump up so I just idle until the clack goes away.
I pulled all of the plugs yesterday and they all look fine and even, am going to do compression today while they are out.
Car WAS running fine before I worked on the front of the engine, i.e. snapped bolt, water pump, t'stat, timing chain and gears and raised the engine up 1.5". It IS running warmer with the new thermostat but figured I would tackle that after this issue is resolved.
Does a collapsing lifter under load sound like ignition breakdown? I should remember this but getting older by the day.... Hate to second guess myself about the timing chain gears alignment marks being one tooth off, I'm pretty careful in that respect, especially since the car starts right up and idles fine and reves to 4k without a problem unless under load.
Any thoughts before I go shotgunning for the cure?
Thanks,
Angelo
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