383 Distributor set up

Moderator: Moderators

Post Reply
v8rumble
Posts: 42
Joined: Wed Jan 24, 18 5:22 pm
Location: Northants

383 Distributor set up

Post by v8rumble »

Hi
I have bought a replacement distributor to replace the electronic one on the car.
Having tried to get it to run I thought I would ask for any pointers.

At the moment I have had it nearly right that is it pulled hard under hard acceleration but when it changed into third gear it started to hold back.
After adjusting the vacuum advance and timing a few times I even had it virtually stopping itself when it changed to third. :shock:

Any tips and pointers most welcome on how to tune

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Proform-Mopa ... 1438.l2649
User avatar
Pete
Posts: 21944
Joined: Sun Apr 18, 04 10:49 pm
Location: MMA Chairman

Re: 383 Distributor set up

Post by Pete »

What have you set the full advance timing at?
Pete Wiseman; Cambridge.

Mopar by the grace of God
v8rumble
Posts: 42
Joined: Wed Jan 24, 18 5:22 pm
Location: Northants

Re: 383 Distributor set up

Post by v8rumble »

That is the thing that setting it at 5 degrees btc statically as stated on the instructions then trying driving with vac off and blocked.
Then the instructions stated put vac on and if it didn't drive right adjust vac advance through vac pipe hole.

That is when I gave up and asked here to get a better idea on how to set it up from scratch.

Hope that makes sense
User avatar
Pete
Posts: 21944
Joined: Sun Apr 18, 04 10:49 pm
Location: MMA Chairman

Re: 383 Distributor set up

Post by Pete »

The Vac makes next to no difference driving - it was an emissions control device - it is a distraction for now.

You must get it around a minimum of 10 - 12 degrees initial timing and you must set the Full advance at around 3200 rpm before you do anything else.

You need a timing light - preferable a "dial back" or "count back one like a Snap on to set the Full advance timing (Vac off) at a maximum of 34 degrees advance on Pump gas.

Once you have set this, check the idle rpm in "N" at around 12 - 19 degrees advanced or what the Distributor will allow (which won't be much on a stock one).

Set the rpm to around 900 rpm in "N" when this is done and then carefully check the rpm pull down in "D" if an Auto, it should drop to about 600 rpm or thereabouts.

If you have not got a good timing gun then you are dead in the water, and your only alternative would be to advance the timing until it pings and then slowly drop it back (take timing out) until it does not ping under load.

There are LOADS of timing advice threads on this board if you use the "search facility".

All the best

Pete
Pete Wiseman; Cambridge.

Mopar by the grace of God
v8rumble
Posts: 42
Joined: Wed Jan 24, 18 5:22 pm
Location: Northants

Re: 383 Distributor set up

Post by v8rumble »

Thanks for that Pete it will give me a starting point.

Do have a half decent gun but probably not good enough so will look at buying a better one.

Will do a bit of searching on the forum as advised thanks once again
User avatar
Pete
Posts: 21944
Joined: Sun Apr 18, 04 10:49 pm
Location: MMA Chairman

Re: 383 Distributor set up

Post by Pete »

Fingers crossed.

The other thing to watch for in the first instance is "Kick Back" where the timing is too advanced on start up.

This is the problem with standard distributors as they have a very small advance range, which is why people often go for more modern distributors - or spend hours filing and welding old style ones!

It ends up being a trade off between ease of starting vs optimum power and less over-heating issues.
Pete Wiseman; Cambridge.

Mopar by the grace of God
v8rumble
Posts: 42
Joined: Wed Jan 24, 18 5:22 pm
Location: Northants

Re: 383 Distributor set up

Post by v8rumble »

I take it kick back is when the starter basically kicks back and just spins freely if so been there done that lol
User avatar
Pete
Posts: 21944
Joined: Sun Apr 18, 04 10:49 pm
Location: MMA Chairman

Re: 383 Distributor set up

Post by Pete »

The Engine is trying to fire with the pistons excessively early on the way up (over-advanced for starting - not necessarily when running) so you can get a big jolt and in worse case the stater can't crank the engine over.... On my race car it broke the nose clean off the starter motor....
Pete Wiseman; Cambridge.

Mopar by the grace of God
v8rumble
Posts: 42
Joined: Wed Jan 24, 18 5:22 pm
Location: Northants

Re: 383 Distributor set up

Post by v8rumble »

Wow not had it that bad :shock:
v8rumble
Posts: 42
Joined: Wed Jan 24, 18 5:22 pm
Location: Northants

Re: 383 Distributor set up

Post by v8rumble »

Hi again
Just an update on this. I have gone and bought myself an old Snap on light and set everything up as you advised.

All good till it got hot so have bought a new coil and touch wood this appears to have sorted it. =D>

Today I have fitted a new starter and well impressed with it, about 3 times as powerful and half the size.

Would have been easier if I had fitted wires first then motor to engine as had to do it blind and by feel but live and learn.

Will rebuild original as car is very original.

One of these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dodge-Plymou ... SwgzlZ4jmQ

Thanks for the help with this :D
Post Reply