So I know my car is running a little on the rich side but I'm not sure if this would cause the issue. The issue is that when I go from a idle roll to mashing the gas she picks right up and goes but at idle she sounds like she is loading up. I have leaned out my idle mixture screws not completely but a little over half. My timing is set for 16* base 42* completely in at 2500 rpms.

Thanks,
Chas

 

Are you running vac advance?

Have you tuned your idle circuit with a vac gauge?

 

No vac advance. I can hook it up and see what happens.

Yes, I am pulling about 10" of vacuum depending on where in the firing order.

 

So you have a VAC carb and VAC advance distributor and you're not running the VAC advance? Well there's your problem!
What carb/dizzy you running?

 

That's too much total timing for a SBC. 34-36 is typical, less for Vortec heads.

Back it off, hook up the vacuum advance as suggested, readjust.

 

My family and I raced a 388 motor and I have to say you have too much advance for your total timing. Our motor was close to 10.5:1 compression, ~.509/.516 lift, 240/245 duration at 0.050" with a 106* LSA. The car ran best around 34 to 36* of total timing which is close to what other guys (Super Pro) at the track were running as well.

I hope you have a timing retard switch for starting that motor as well...

 

What cam is in the motor? If its a decent size, 220+ dur @.50 then try running 16-18 initial, limit total as suggested to 36*, 34* if using vortecs.
Then make sure u have an adjustable vacuum can.
Limit that to around 10-12* and hook up to full manifold source. This will give you your cleanest idle and crisp throttle response.
** edit*** you won't need a start retard at these timing levels.

 

Sorry guys the timing was a mistake 32* also the cam's duration is 240/246 @.50. I hate posting from these tablets.

On a side note I will connect my vacuum advance and see what happens.

 

With that cam don't bother, it needs locked out timing. Set it at 36° period, install a momentary interrupt switch at the big pink wire from your HEI, make sure you have a starter brace installed and call it a day. With that much duration its going to benifit and perform best at locked timing. You will hear lots of people argue about locked timing not being for a street car....they are wrong...period. You likely have a 3000stall and alot of gear with that much cam? Lock the timing, watch your rich idle be cured instantly and it will feel like a whole new animal.

 

Just reading your sig, stock 308 gears? I hope you have the converter at least? 3000 stall, 373 gear, and 36° locked timing.....welcome to what an extra 50hp would feel like......

 

My car stalls 3000+ depending on how I drive it.

My next investment is gears and spool/mini spool. I don't need to worry about squealing around corners or tire wear. When it shifts into second it spins anyway.

The car cranks for about 1 second and starts right up. I do need to raise the rpm for a minute until the intake warms up.

I am running aftermarket HEI dizzy.