I have a 68 with a 350/295hp engine that just does not seem to accelerate very well. It starts easily, and runs smoothly, but I floor it and it accelerates WAY to slowly. The engine is a recent rebuild and totaly stock. The car has behaved this way since I bought it a couple of years ago. Compression is good, the plugs look fine (recently replaced), new wires, new Pertronix Igniter II, and a recently restored original Quadrajet carb. The timing is set to 4 degrees btdc. I am thinking my problem is in the original distributor. Any ideas where I should look?

thats a tuff one to answer without being there, but tuning could be the issue. the first thing i'd try is more initial timing, like around 12, and then check your total timing, and shoot for around 36, this is probably where i'd start. sometimes valve adjustment can make it sluggish as well. good luck with it

Secondary opening could also be a factor. If the secondary opens too soon or too late, accelleration will be affected. There is a clock spring on the passenger side of the secondary actuator plate. Consult a manual for the adjustment procedure. I'd start by stiffening the spring an 1/8 to 1/4 turn, since it seems they usually are set to open too soon. If performance is worse, then loosen the spring 1/8 to 1/4 turn from baseline and see what happens.

-dnult

Thanks for the ideas! I set the timing to 12 degrees but it pinged a bit, so I backed it to about 10 and it is accelerating much better. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

As for the carb adjustment, would the secondaries not opening on time result in a bog or just poor acceleration? :confused: I have no bog at all, just less "go" than I expected. I have a rochester tuning manual, so I guess it is time to start reading. Thanks again!

cool, your on your way. yes, if the secondaries aren't opening quickly enough, or even too quickly (as seen by a bog), you'll be down on acceleration. try doing adjustments as dnult described and see if you notice an improvement. good luck you'll get it graemlins/thumbsup.gif

This website is amazing! graemlins/hurray.gif I adjusted the opening point on the secondaries an eighth of a turn at a time until it started to bog, and then backed it up an eighth. The throttle response is now MUCH better. This adjustment along with the timing has made a huge difference. graemlins/thumbsup.gif Thanks for the asistance!!!