bummys_hotrod

I was wonder if I must have an ignition box for my setup? I have a 383 stroker with 10.4 1 comp, 58 cc heads and 242 comp cam. I bought a new summit HEI High performance 50,000 V distributor for it. Is this enough or do I need a box to? I just put the engine together and in the car and im having trouble getting it two idle. I know i am getting to much fuel because i flooded it. I was just wandering if the plugs will burn hot enough.

Tice

To my knowledge, All Ignition Boxes do, are make the Spark Plugs spark several times, as opposed to just sparking once... They don't make them burn hotter, or better or anyting... It's like Using a Shotgun at close range, instead of a Pistol...
Really, Ignition Boxes are useless. I mean, A spark is a Spark... A Spark will cause an explosion when exposed to gas even if it's super small... You don't need the "Bigger Spark" as advertised by MSD... Why do you think they say not to smoke wen filling your gas tank? Small spark+small fumes=Big Boom... Same principal in an engine.
If your Spark Plugs are clean, and you're pushin 50,000v through them, You should be just fine...
Try Adjusting your timing, maybe?

Stekman

If the summit says a box is required, then yes you will need a box. If it doesn't need a box, you don't.

A box won't increase the idle quality. That's lack of proper tune.

bummys_hotrod

Ok, i understand that timing is the problem. My next question is, I have been reading alot oh here an it states that 383 timing is around 34-38 degrees. In order to get somewhere close so i can adjust it, do I put the distributer on the number one spark plug that is TDC and adjust the distributer clockwise or counter clock wise to add degrees?

Tice

Well, Timing is also based on the wear of the engine, the wear of the distributer contacts, and the wear of the spark plugs, and such... So, It could be a big range between brand new specs (34-38, in this case) and Your actual specs...
The way I do the timing on my 350, (is probably not the best or most professional way to do it, but it works...) Have the engine running, and rotate the dist cap till it gets smooth... just listen to the engine, or feel if it's shaking... If you have an Automatic, you might want to have someone in the car, with the foot on the brake, and the car in gear... because Idle rpms can be different than Park rpms...
Just my 0.02.. Hope it helps.
Edit: Don't forget to tighten down the dist cap brace when you're done... Otherwise timing will get out of whack when you're driving, due to engine vibration... I forgot to tighten it once... That sucked...

bummys_hotrod

This is on a brand new 383 kit, with new cam and new distributor. That is the way i tune the timing also, but my problem is i cant get it to idle yet. My question was which way do you turn the distributor to add degrees?

bunkie21

What kinda of carb do you have on it? Is it new or used (float sticking)? I would think you could get the timing close enough to get it to idle.

Firing order correct?

creese187

i believe if you're looking down at the dist. from the top. rotating it counter clockwise adds more timing

bummys_hotrod

Thank you, i will try it when i get home.

Tice

How'd it go, Mr. Bummys?

bummys_hotrod

Well, I got the timing all good to go. The problem I was having with the flooding was because the choke was on.<---idot. But once i figured that out it atleast started. Then the next problems occured. 1 the starter was either to weak to turn the 10.4 1 compresson or the battery and the starter were junk. So i bought a new starter. No luck. Then I bought a new battery. Still when ever the engine got full compression it was sluggish. I read on hear that stock starters could turn up to 11.0 1 compression no problem. That is a lie. I have a mini torque starter on order from summit. Also whenever i did get it started i was getting hella rocker nose from the number 7 couple. So instead of tuning in the flat tappit rockers i ordered some roller rockers and push rods. This car is going to be the death of my bank account but i cant wait till i get it all tuned and ready. Also anyone that is puting it the y pipe from hooker needs to know that if you use longer bolts to purswade them to fit your life will be alot better. I also order the weldin subframe connectors from summit. Shh dont tell the wife. Cant wait till the snow melts.

Tice

Wow My friend, wow.
Not to criticize, but, shouldn't you investigate more before you just start throwing Parts at it? By all means, Get what you want, upgrades are the best thing for a car, IMHO, but... When a stock starter can do as much as a 'Hi-torque', then why drop the extra $300?
Lookin forward to hear what happens

ryan91rs

iTrader: (1)

it all depends on if you got a new camaro starter (rebuilt) or used an old one. heat soak on an old starter makes it very weak. been there done that.

bummys_hotrod

Stock starters will not consistantly start a engine with over 10.0 to 1 compression. I have a brand new one at it doesnt do the job. My brand new one struggles to get one revelution. Any one else feel this way.