I have a 383 and im not sure what exactly im running in timing. i didnt use a timing light this time, just went by ear for now. Its running better than it ever has before after the carb rebuild, new distributor, wires ect. But everytime i hook a vaccum guage to the large port on the carb, it shows either a vacuum leak or late valve timing. Im positive its not valve timing issues, so it must be a vacuum leak. That was the whole reason for rebuilding the carb, but its still there somewhere. Where should i look next for the leak?

Now, the car is running great, but at say 4k rpms, i can hear crackling in the exaust. Sort of like gas exploding in the headers. Should i advance the timing or back it off? Its only idling at about 650 rpm so if i back it off anymore it starts to run very rough. Thanks alot guys.

Oh and one more question. I need a new carb, i know, but one of my floats is slightly bent on the left side of the carb (downward). It was bent when i took the edelbrock 600cfm apart and ive tried to get it as close as possible to the one thats not bent. How will this effect the performance of the carb until i can get another one?

 

is it maybe the mechanical advance is too advanced?

 

spray down the intake and around the whole motor with carb cleaner and check for leaks that way. Check that timing with a light. You need to know whats going on and where its at.

 

not sure if im right but stock timing is 8degrees right? i got mine set at 12deg but hey i could be wrong, he did say its a 383.

 

Your gonna have to see where it is now with a timing light. 8 sounds ok.

 

ninetyone, are you confirming my statement/question bout 8deg being the proper timing?

Then of course if you want to play with the dist. and up your timing 12deg is as high as i would go, thats plenty of an increase.