Hey guys I just dropped a 383 in my car..

I finally got it started... problem is it doestn want to idle.. unless i keep it around 2000rpms or better it dies..

It could be a timing issue, but i cant set the timing because it wont idle... It seems if i adjust it too much either direction it wont even start..

Any ideas?!?!?

Shane

 

I'm no expert on this, but have you checked for vacuum leaks? not sure if this would affect things like rough idle to stalling.

 

With the motor off, line your timing mark up to about 6 deg advanced. Then pull your distributor cap off and make sure your rotor is pointing right at the number one post on the cap. That should put you darn close to 6 degrees timing. Like Mark said make sure you don't have any vacuum leaks. Check all those ports on your carb and manifold. I forgot the big on on the back of my Q-jet once and it took me 30 min to realize it .

What is your temp doing? Are your exhaust manifolds getting real hot?

Do you have timing tape on your harmonic balancer? If so then you could set the idle at 2000 rpm and get a good idea if it's right because it should be around upper 20s by that point. And once you set it at 2000 you can slowly back it off while tuning till it has a stable idle. You might also want to re-check valve lash. A valve hanging open can cause real rough manners.

 

sounds like your running too retarded. advance it just a tad and see if it holds an idle