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]

Its definately running lean. I drove it to work today at 3100 rmps 85-90ish MPH and I pulled a couple of plugs at lunch, it was running way lean in the mid range/light throttle.
I gingerly drove the car home and I will be getting my calibration kit tomorrow. I was trying to make it to our "wild wheels at work" car show, but I would rather leave the car at home and wait to re-jet the carb.

As to the spacer, my intake is a performer RPM which is a semi-high rise dual plane, should take care of any pulsing. Once I richen up the mid range, it should be OK

I hae been running 5.5 PSI of fuel pressure, as reccomended by Edelbrock.
Mark

[messix]

Its definately running lean. I drove it to work today at 3100 rmps 85-90ish MPH and I pulled a couple of plugs at lunch, it was running way lean in the mid range/light throttle.
I gingerly drove the car home and I will be getting my calibration kit tomorrow. I was trying to make it to our "wild wheels at work" car show, but I would rather leave the car at home and wait to re-jet the carb.

As to the spacer, my intake is a performer RPM which is a semi-high rise dual plane, should take care of any pulsing. Once I richen up the mid range, it should be OK

I hae been running 5.5 PSI of fuel pressure, as reccomended by Edelbrock.
Mark

i wouldn't go any higher on fuel pressure at 5.5 psi.