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.

[marks914]

Hooked up the vacuum gauge and I have 7hg" at idle.

I looked in my Edelbrock manual tonight and for long duration cams it reccomended:
1. placing the distributor vacuum adance on the manifold side OR
2. changing the step-up spring to a lighter one.

I tried the manifold vacuum, and it idles much better, no noticable difference in drivability, it still smoked the tires at a 30 mph roll.

I am going to see if someone locally has an Edelbrock jet "kit" with the various rods and springs. The bad thing about jegs and summit is you can't get hot rod parts locally anymore, not even here in Detroit.

Mark

This post has been edited by marks914: May 31 2007, 09:35 PM