Ok, i've about had it and I figure that some of you may be able to help. I just swapped out my pos 305 block that had 207,000 miles on there and put in a crate GM 350. I am having so many problems it isn't even funny. My timing is way off... is there any way I can convert to non computer HEI.. .. I mean i tried already but got no spark when i did... does it have to do with the computer setup? If it does, is there any way that I can get this non-computer setup to bypass the computer and run anyways? Also I need to know if there's any way that I may be able to salvage the Rochester carb that was on the old engine..

The car is currently running, but not well at all. Timing is way way off, and the choke and carb are giving me problems. Any help would be appreciated!

 

What kind of carb is it? If it's a Computer-controlled Quadrajet (which it probably isn't) you have to have the computer. But if not, YES. Get a regular dist. I went for the Mallory Unilite.

 

Yes, unfortunately it is a computer controlled carb. Best to just scrap it? I was trying to get away cheap and I guess I paid the price. If I put a non-computer dist. in there how do I wire it? I already tried a non-computer HEI and it didn't spark (?) I'm planning on just scrapping everything ontop of the intake and working up from a Holley Dual plane. although i've got about $800 to put into the intake, carb and dist what should i do?

 

I did.:rockon:

 

Thanks.. that's what i'm gonna do but gotta wait to collect the funds.. always the fun part. I just hate seein my baby sit and i don't think she'll ever run right with this setup so i'm gonna have to give in .

I appreciate the help!

 

All you need for a non-HEI dist. is a regular dist. and a coil. The only thing that the distributor wires up to is the coil, and it will tell you how. And take that computer and throw it as far as you can!:rockon:
My car sat in the garage for 6 years...........

 

I think you're being sent the wrong direction here.

First off....take a break....sounds like your running a thousand miles a minute.

Start from the first line. You think you timing is way off. Did you disable the computer first? You can't time it while the engine is still hooked to the computer. You need to disconnect the computer pig tail that has four wires just behind the engine that goes to the distributor, (I think). It will run with power (12v), fuel, and fire to the spark plugs. Additionally, did you set up the cam and timing chain correctly. Line up both dots on the timing chain, then rotate them to where they are both pointing north. This should be the #1 TDC. (Gearheads jump in at any time...)

Is your hot lead to the HEI coil on correctly? It's easy to invert the power lead and tach leads. Is the coil centered on the spring mounting on the distributor? Did you place all of the leads in the HEI correctly? There are three leads plus a ground inside. Ground on the top, a second comes from the bottom to the center lead, and a yellow and red wire complete the set.

Don't give up yet. Keep your set up and just start asking the basic questions. Fire, fuel, and rotation. I was frustrated a my first 350 rebuild, it just would not start. Come to find out, my brother reversed the fuel supply and vapor return lines. Straightened them out, and it fired right up.

Good luck.