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Old May 19th, 2017, 07:46 PM
401bluebird 401bluebird is offline
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Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Ojai California
Truck: 1960 GMC chassis 401 V6 Bluebird coach
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Default Re: HEI vs Pertronic pointless ignition systems

I have raced at drag strips for decades, and I have learned over the years that many stock distributors have too much mechanical advance built in. In a 6000 RPM big block, it is commonly understood to have all of your advance in at 3000RPM. Timing with many stock distributors, when total timing is set up this way, will have retarded timing at low RPMS, Off-idle and slow cruise. The solution for years was to limit the total advance by brazing portions of the advance centrifugal weight slots to limit the total advance. Now, many of the aftermarket distributors come with "Performance curves" included.

My question- does having full timing come in so close to the red line leave a lot of mid-range power on the table? I would like to check the BB V6 advance curve someday on my 401 with a dial-to-zero timing light and see what the factory curves are. I suspect that they are quicker than the more traditional engines (V8s).
Thanks, -Andy Carlson Ojai CA
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