Another great weekend

[Anonymous]

2 weeks ago, I worked on my 76 Mav with a 250 and C4, I replaced the timing chain to the recommended 69-70 250 set from NAPA. After putting it back together, I had a pretty good oil leak. I didn't have time to fix it, so I drove it to work and when I got home Friday, I ordered a Harmonic Balancer repair sleeve and another timing chain oil seal. I removed the timing chain cover, without loosening or removing the oil pan. That was a time saver. Added the sleeve to the balancer and the new oil seal to the cover. Now, no more leak.
Today I re-curved my distributor. I bought the Mr. Gasket re-curve kit, P/N 925D, and replaced the Heavy Stock spring and left the light stock spring. Thinking that the 2 Mr. Gasket springs would require me to run Premium fuel. At the same time I noticed my Centrifugal advance is set at 13 x 2. So now I know that the centrifugal advance is 26 degrees I can work from there with the static advance. After putting everything back together, I removed the #1 spark plug and located its TDC. My timing mark is off by 2 degrees. Now it's time to tune this combo up. At idle, ~750 rpm, the Vacuum was 17.5 inches; my static advance is 10 degrees (minus 2 degrees). End result, prior to these changes, from the corner of my subdivision to the end of the bridge, the speed was ~48 mph, today it was 54 mph. No pinging just a good smooth pull. I think it's time for 3.00:1 gears. Those 2.75:1's seem just a little too tall for the engine.
Maybe I'm wrong.
Ken

I have a 6 to 1 header waiting to be installed. How much will the header help out the lower end torque? Any ideas?

 

[addo]

The header will produce an almost imperceptible change in performance with a stock engine. It should grant you a shade more fuel economy and better manifold vacuum.

It may help you to install the header, if you do a "dry fit" first time while watching the clock. That will give an idea of the feasibility of using sealants on your exhaust gasket.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Addo,
I figured it would add a little help around the low end that would be the additional vacuum. Improved fuel economy is a good reason all by itself to do the change. The car is not a racer, just trying to get the most out of the 250, while not spending much money.
Just a question, what do you mean, "watching the clock"? Just curious.
Thanks again,
Ken

 

[addo]

I mean, see how long it takes to assemble. If the day is warmer and you plan to use RTV on the gasket - don't be caught by the sealant going off before all bolts are toqued. BTDT and it sucks!