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'76 timing & plug gap questions

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Zebra 3 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Zebra 3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: '76 timing & plug gap questions
    Posted: 16-June-2012 at 9:27AM
I have removed all of the pollution control devices (1976 351 Windsor 2 bbl) except for the PCV valve and crankcase breather filter....here's my questions:

1. Would I benefit by changing the timing from 12 degrees BTDC (as per under hood specifications sticker) to 6 degrees BTDC (1972 351 Windsor spec.) ...I have also seen a 13 degree mentioned in these forums as well for this particular engine...unknown results.

2. Also, any benefit with changing the gaps of the plugs from .054 (1976 spec) to .034 (1972 spec)

I understand that in 1975 the 351 Windsor went to an electronic ignition, so was the electronic ignition the reason for the change in timing and gap from previous years? Was there a different stock cam in the 351 Windsor prior to 1975? Can I use the 1972 specifications with an electronic ignition and get better performance..or will it make it worse.

"I deeply admire the men who founded this country, and I think we ought to know more about them and how they lived and the force and courage they had.
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Brian Conn
'76 Torino
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Mark S. View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mark S. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16-June-2012 at 12:14PM
Electronic ignition requires larger plug gap. Not sure about timing.
Mark
1977 Ltd II "Eltee"
1984 Mustang ragtop
2004 Grand Marquis Ultimate Edition
71 Torino GT 429CJ (sold too many years ago to count...)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Robbdtme Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17-June-2012 at 11:12AM
Both would be a step backwards. The wider gap gives you a hotter more complete spark. Delaying timing will reduce power as well.

One of the things I feel is most overlooked is your distributer itself. Pop the cap and checkout your mechanical advance springs and the vacuum advance mech. Springs get stretched and sloppy with age and the vacuum advance linkage arm hole can wear causing some slop. Make sure everything is clean and moves freely. You could be amazed at what a little TLC here can do!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Zebra 3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17-June-2012 at 4:08PM

Thanks for the info. Somewhere in my head I had the idea that using the pre electronic specs with a gutted pollution control system on the '76 would add to its performance...somewhat.

Originally posted by Robbdtme Robbdtme wrote:

.................
One of the things I feel is most overlooked is your distributor itself. Pop the cap and checkout your mechanical advance springs and the vacuum advance mech. Springs get stretched and sloppy with age and the vacuum advance linkage arm hole can wear causing some slop. Make sure everything is clean and moves freely. You could be amazed at what a little TLC here can do!

I have my doubts that the linkage arm hole has any wear (sitting at just over 83,000 original miles on the meter) BUT I do have one question about the spring....where would I go to get a replacement spring? I would imagine that after 36 years it could have gotten stretched some and sloppy.

"I deeply admire the men who founded this country, and I think we ought to know more about them and how they lived and the force and courage they had.
Henry Ford. 1926
Brian Conn
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Robbdtme Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18-June-2012 at 10:12AM
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MRG-925D/


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stanman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18-June-2012 at 10:44AM
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Zebra 3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19-June-2012 at 12:55AM

...I knew that I had read about making a change to the timing somewhere......I re-discovered it! It ties in with the "advance curve kit springs" mentioned in this thread.  An adjustment is made to the distributor , itself, adding to the performance of the engine as well as miles per gallon.Big smile 

This is from a Jeep site...turns out the distributors that would be found in our cars are the ticket! Here is the link:

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/prep-teamrush-258-advance-curve-kit-583327/

"I deeply admire the men who founded this country, and I think we ought to know more about them and how they lived and the force and courage they had.
Henry Ford. 1926
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Robbdtme Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19-June-2012 at 9:33AM
That is probably the best  distributor  article I have seen! Good info! Everyone should check it out.
Thanks for sharing Zebra 3!
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Zebra 3 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Zebra 3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-July-2012 at 12:54PM
Originally posted by Zebra 3 Zebra 3 wrote:

...I knew that I had read about making a change to the timing somewhere......I re-discovered it! It ties in with the "advance curve kit springs" mentioned in this thread.  An adjustment is made to the distributor , itself, adding to the performance of the engine as well as miles per gallon.Big smile 

This is from a Jeep site...turns out the distributors that would be found in our cars are the ticket! Here is the link:

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/prep-teamrush-258-advance-curve-kit-583327/

....Actually I have just stumbled across what I had "originally" read....it was right under my nose the whole time and its right here in the forums!! http://forum.grantorinosport.org/bubbas-351m-400-website-rehosted-here_topic3685&FID=6&PR=3.html

Even though this post/link applies to the 351-400 Modified's , there are areas discussed that will work with the other engine families as well......well worth checking out!

"I deeply admire the men who founded this country, and I think we ought to know more about them and how they lived and the force and courage they had.
Henry Ford. 1926
Brian Conn
'76 Torino
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Robbdtme Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09-July-2012 at 6:26PM
I will toss in if you changed your camshaft or Carb The timing specs are useless.  Hook a good vacuum gauge to it and tune for max vacuum reading without pinging.

In my case I have a pretty radical cam 524 lift 274 duration 110 lobe with a barry grant speed demon 625 cfm. On premium fuel about 16 advanced on timing works well for me.  Running low compression 8.7:1.
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