SBC 302 is in, running!, Needs some tuning, any suggestions? Options

[marks914]

Got the 305 out and put the 302 in, runs pretty well.
I am running an edelbrock 600,
Hydraulic roller cam .56 lift 236/236 duration.

I am in the process of tuning it right now. I have HEI vacuum advance hooked up to the timed port on the carb.

The engine has some lope to it, when I advance the distributor to smooth out the idle, it purrs like a kitten and no spark knock. The problem is when I advance the ignition timing this far, it is difficult for the starter to turn over the engine.

Here is what I am going to try, please tell me if this makes sense:
I was going to put the vacuum advance on the manifold vacuum port, thus giving more advance at idle, I do not think this would affect the initial start up advance, making the starter able to turn the motor over when hot.

here are some pics

Thanks

Mark

PS, the car is a bit quicker now, the power comes on at 3000 RPMs, so it is very driveable around town with the power where it needs to be.

[greybeard50]

Ballpark answer to your question...SBC's like a bit of idle advance ~6 degrees @ 6-800rpm and ~ 30-32 degrees total mechanical advance all in by 3000 RPM. All set without any vacuum to the pot. Most will tolerate another 6-10 degrees from the vacuum pot.

Now, you tell me how much you know about timing a SBC. Have you done it before? Do you have a timing light? And know how to use it? I am not trying to dis your Dis. ...I'm trying to understand how detailed I must be to get your Beastie up and running.

Things you need:
#1 true TDC for #1 cyl marked on the vibration damper that aligns with
#2 a TDC marker on the block
#3 a timing light that dials in the advance you want, or
#4 if your timing light does not dial in the advance, you'll need a degree strip for either the Vib Damper or the block marker

Answer these & we will get back together. Keep the Faith!