Originally posted by nasty nova
yeah- the plug wires do go to the correct cylinder as far as odd on right begining at #1 but the plug tower idoes not start withthe usual wire in front kind of hard to imagine but #3,#4 wires are in front - anyways the distributor works good so i guess there was some voodoo performed.
should the cam spec or any thing to identify it be visible on the front behind the timing gear?
I backed the timing off some and gained more power but the engine seems to run warmer but not overheating am i getting into the danger zone? i am kind of thinking the timing was advanced this much to keep up with fuel flow from the big carb on what i think is a stock motor (except the cam). as far as the carb i perfer edelbrock over holly also, so i am thinking of trying my 600 cfm off my f100 and see what that does.
thanks for all the info
a little about myself if you care to read-i am a louisiana boy,been around the world(usmc),and love old autos, i have 65 f 100 swb stepside with 302 great driver,67 nova 400 cid, 77 280z & 79 280zx stock- junky little cars but they do haul ass.
1. CAP AND WIRES---It doesn't matter which wires face where. That does not start the firing order. #1 wire pointed to #1 cylinder is a reference point only. It does make it easier to set timing and route wires though.
2. CAMSHAFT IDENTIFICATION---Unfortunately, the cam grind no. is on the back end of the cam and has to be pulled to see it.
3. BACKING OFF TIMING---Backing off timing should make it run cooler if anything. Advancing the timing will have a limited effect on a overcarbed engine. The exhaust will still burn your eyes and the plugs will foul if its rich. I don't know what size carb you have but a stock 400 will handle a 750 vac. sec. with ease.
4. HEADS---The 400 is a big small block. 200cc runner Dart or 190/195 runner AFR is a good all around choice for street/performance.

You would learn a lot from doing a cranking compression test on your engine. Just unhook your hot wire from the distributor and pull a couple plugs and check compression. If you have less than 150 psi your either overcammed or worn out. JMO JMO A properly set up street engine can run 200+ psi on 93 octane but you got to have your parts lined up right.