For a stock 307 CID V8? I have 120-130 psi on all eight cylinders, wet w/oil squirted into the cylinders. 1974 Motors Manual reads 9:1 comp ratio.

I suspect a retarded cam, not necessarily from the institution...........LOL. Timing chain slack is 1/8 inch at the pointer.

That's not too bad. Were the throttle blades held open during the test? I would have expected you to get more like 140 - 160 with a stock cam so sounds like the motor may have some wear. The important thing is that the cylinders are within 10% of each other - which they are according to your values.

-dnult

Thanks for the reply, dnult. Yes, the throttle plates were open during testing. I did the mark the harmonic balancer 30* BTDC using the pointer and a pencil. I removed the drvr valve cover and checked the intake valve opening point. Books read 26*, 28*, and 29* BTDC. I got 0* before the pushrod started to move. With this info, and low vacuum, I suspect late valve timing.

I believe the above problem is related to three dead cylinders during idle to 3K rpm and low(?) vacuum, i.e., 17-18". Apply more throttle, above 3K, and those 3 cylinders come into play. Another carb did not help. Good spark is available. Engine has been rebuilt before my time, how well, I don't know. It doesn't smoke or burn oil, plugs are clean.

Sounds like the chain may have slipped or something doesn't it. Keep in mind that the opening figures are in cam degrees, so 30* at the cam is 60* on the crank. Perhaps you've already accounted for this - I don't know the spec.

-dnult