SBC 302 is in, running!, Needs some tuning, any suggestions? Options

[marks914]

Got the 305 out and put the 302 in, runs pretty well.
I am running an edelbrock 600,
Hydraulic roller cam .56 lift 236/236 duration.

I am in the process of tuning it right now. I have HEI vacuum advance hooked up to the timed port on the carb.

The engine has some lope to it, when I advance the distributor to smooth out the idle, it purrs like a kitten and no spark knock. The problem is when I advance the ignition timing this far, it is difficult for the starter to turn over the engine.

Here is what I am going to try, please tell me if this makes sense:
I was going to put the vacuum advance on the manifold vacuum port, thus giving more advance at idle, I do not think this would affect the initial start up advance, making the starter able to turn the motor over when hot.

here are some pics

Thanks

Mark

PS, the car is a bit quicker now, the power comes on at 3000 RPMs, so it is very driveable around town with the power where it needs to be.

[messix]

BTW, the vacuum advance goes on a spark port. If you hook it up to a vacuum port you will get max advance at idle and it will retard when you stomp on it. I don't think you want to do that.





yes this is exactly what you want.

running the vac advance to manafold will help with lumpy cams for idle quality.
the "spark" port is just a vacuum slot just above the throttle plate, and only gives vacuum signal at part thottle, smog engines.

look it up on wikipedia if you don't beleive me.

i've run to many lumpy engines as daily drivers and learned from that.