ok, the 355 is running. well I guess you can call it that. we have the timing set at 2 degrees, it backfires out the intake, almost dies when you mash the loud pedal and let off, it like idles down, then almost dies, and you can hear the injectors real loud and it idles back up. it heats up, but we have an awesome cooling system, so we think that's air. Why is she running so terribly? is it just timing? this is my first swap, so I am kinda in the dark. here's my setup. rebuilt 355, 9:1 compression, jet performance custom chip, 350 injectors, hypertec coil and distributor,taylor 8mm spark plug wires, 2950 cfm cooling fan, rebuilt stock radiator, 160 degree thermostat, Milodon high volume water pump, sealed power cam, lift:420/443 dur@.050: 252/262 and a performer tbi intake with crap 1.94/1.60 valve "882" heads. It runs at like 240-280, and basically is sick. what could be wrong?

 

I'd say your timing is too retarded. Don't know if it's the whole problem but generally they will heat up pretty fast if that's the case. Bump it up to 8-10* and then post back and we'll go from there.

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1990 IROC 350
Mods: Too busy trying to make it run right to mod it.
Airfoil, Dynomax cat-back, MSD coil, 180 t-stat, Bald Eagle tires,
Hypertech fan switch, Accel 23# injectors, Holley module, ported plenum,
Ported Daytona Yellow stock base, Moroso valve covers, other stuff,
Streetdampr, Ruger P95DC, hot wife, new oil filter, !cats, !TBC, !AIR.
18.0 @ 85MPH since I'm one big-a$$ MF
"It's better to have and not need than to need and not have."

 

the book says it should be timed to 0 degrees. my dad thinks it is advanced too far. What happens when you are a tooth off?

 

It could be a tooth off and run like that. Did you bring the #1 piston to TDC and set the rotor pointing to the #1 plug wire terminal in the dist. cap?

 

If the distributor is set in place a tooth off its ideal position, and you time the ignition according to procedure, nothing unusual will happen.

It doesn't matter how many teeth the distributor might be off. You can install it backward, and as long as you can rotate the distributor to the correct timing setting without hitting any obstructions, it just doesn't matter. I used to install Pontiac distributors about 45° off intentionally to make more room for the vacuum advance unit on aftermarket high-rise intakes.

I'd vote for setting the timing to specs (6-8° BTDC) and go from there.

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Later,
Vader
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If you want to beat the World, it might reach up and pull you down...
Adobe Acrobat Reader

 

Right, sorry about that (damned PBR again), is it 180* off? I never saw one RUN like that but it did completely explode the muffler (supervisor out at work) . His wife came running out of the house crying and everything, thought he had died. LOL!

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1990 IROC 350
Mods: Too busy trying to make it run right to mod it.
Airfoil, Dynomax cat-back, MSD coil, 180 t-stat, Bald Eagle tires,
Hypertech fan switch, Accel 23# injectors, Holley module, ported plenum,
Ported Daytona Yellow stock base, Moroso valve covers, other stuff,
Streetdampr, Ruger P95DC, hot wife, new oil filter, !cats, !TBC, !AIR.
18.0 @ 85MPH since I'm one big-a$$ MF
"It's better to have and not need than to need and not have."

 

another vote for timing too far retarded... just go turn the thing, it takes two seconds, and you'll know instantly...