I just rebuilt a 350 for my camaro and got it in and running but it runs horrible. It was way too rich so I ended up leaning it out a lot and it helped but it is fouling plugs still and won't wind past about 4500 without popping and backfiring. now I think it is in the ignition. What I would like to know is what do I need to replace in an old points style distributor so that it will either fix my problem or I can rule it out. I know that the real answer is to buy a newer ignition system, but that isn't an option for a couple months. Thanks for any help.

 

Check the timing sounds like its a bit advanced..where the heck did you come up with the old distributor? You could get a HEI Dist. at a wrecking yard pretty cheap....if not , replace or at least clean up and set the points, sounds like they may be fried....wow, this post sure takes me back.... Wow 2 in one day, check out this post.....https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=116310

 

replace the points and condenser the rotor and cap is basically the same as on hei so you ought to be able to figure out if the need replaced or not. i wouldn't bother filing the points, just replace them. might want to set the dwell or at least check it before you replace anything.

 

Thanks for the help.
The distributor was on the car when I bought it. It is an 86 that has the RPO codes of an IROC, but it is badged as a Z-28 inside and out. On the door sticker thing it shows 16 " wheels but their not there. 305 TPI and 700R4 originally, their gone. Replaced with an early 70's 350 right down to the old distributor and two barrel carb. Then who ever put this thing together backed that up with a spiffy TH200 tranny Plus the rear end ratio don't match the RPO sheet either. The RPO sheet does match the VIN.
Ran Car-fax and only came up with odometer rollback and the title is not totalled or salvaged. But the car looked nice and had a nice interior and I knew I could build from there. I don't do body work or paint, maybe some day. So as you can see this was a perfect project car and they were selling it dirt cheap.
Now has the same 350 rebuilt, flat top pistons, edelbrock intake and carb, plus a TH350 transmission. It's getting closer. Once again thanks for the help.

PS if I wait until I have the money to buy a new ignition what should I look for and about how much do they cost. Or is it just as good to do one out of the junk yard. Thanks.

 

BTW when did they stop using the points and go to the HEI.

 

I think just about 20yrs ago.....they started

 

the hei first came out for the 1975 model year, i believe.

 

Chevy started using the HEI in passenger cars in 1975.

Surley you can buy a used/ wrecking yard HEI from someone and
retire that old point distributor.

 

Give or take a few years...