286MERC or anybody who can help

I got a new distributor for the flatty today...I need to know how much total timing I need to be running so I can set the springs correctly. Ok,Ok, it's not traditional but I bought an msd electronic for it I need to know how to set the timing curve (what springs to run.) SO, I need to know how much total timing I should run for the street. Pretty much stock motor except for the fenton intake and two 94's....
Cody

 

I've got an MSD for my flatty too and I was told to run 20 degrees with the lighest sping that comes with the dizzy. My engine isn't finished yet so i don't know if that's good info or not. Where are ya Carl??

 

Hey Fuel Pump, I'm gettin' my***** kicked by my Flattie. It falls on it's face about mid RPM. I have bigger jets ordered (44,45,46's.). Right now, I have 42's with no power valves. Flathead Jack recommended this setup and it just doesn't work. Any suggestions? BTW The MSD sound like the BEST set-up for the Flattie ever. I will have one by summer. So keep me posted. Pete

 

If you run 22 degrees total you will be fine.use what every springs it take to get it all in by 2000 rpms,If you have acess to a timinglight with a control set at 22 degrees rev to 2000 and set at tdc ,I have found flathead have a window of 4 degrees that they just fine at 20 to 24 degrees.My msd 4 years old did not get full advane to 4000 way wrong.

 

I really had no idea what springs to use in it...I guess the 2 silver then, the blue bushing? I think, if i'm reading right that should put it at 21...fuck I don't know...I just want to get my car running again.

 

For a stocker the 20-24 is right on the money. I run up to ~28 with a big cam and a modified Mopar HEI has become my dizzy of choice. Id also suggest looking at the Jacobs before investing money in a MSD.

I dont know where some people come up with these off the wall jet sizes for 94's. Stock at sea level is 51, going down to 49 at 5K and 47 at 10K ASL.

At sea level start with 51's and then select the proper power valve. If the valves are now dumping at the time you want then read the plugs. Change jets only if necessary. Most owners seem to fall in the 49-51 range and get all the throttle response they want.

 

I KNEW you'd come through with all the answers all mighty guru!!!

 

Been in the shop for 13 hours today getting a Y Block ready to deliver. Just got home and turned on the PC to get my daily fix and impart vast stores of flathead lore and other*********!

Hope you get the beast running top notch.

Never mind the guru*****; just send money, first born and draft choices.

 

Pete,
My advice..... listen to Carl and do what he says. I'm going to.

 

I've read of a number of flatheadjack recommendations and one magazine article by him. He seems to jet by displacement and to believe that too much carb dumps too much fuel and so needs tiny jets. He also believes that jets alone without power valve can run an engine at all speeds...
Your engine only runs at all now because it's getting enough fuel through the off-idle circuit--the basic jetting is hopeless for part throttle and probably wouldn't even run if you could get up to speed and full throttle. Also, an engine's full power needs are substantially richer than part throttle needs, and it just can't be made to run well at both without some sort of power enrichment. The only way to make it run at all without the power valve is to run way too rich for most purposes, the opposite of his jet recommendations here and bad news for several reasons anyhow.