406 Timing ?

[pgermond]

I have a 406 from SA. When I told Bill I would be using 91 octane he told me to readjust the timing to 35-36 degrees (originally tuned with 93 octane at 37-38 degrees). Short of putting the car on a dyno, does anyone have recommendations for the 100 octane mix I'm running now?

Also, does anyone have the specs for the SA distributor that is used in the 406?

Thanks :D

Phil

427 Roadster, #4279436
Southern Automotive FE
3:31 and Toploader

Roseville (N.Cal)

[Tony Radford]

Phil, you really need to dyno it to get it right. 100 octane? Isn't that a might expensive? If you get the A/F mix right between carb tuning and advance, that thing ought to smoke (figuratively speaking) on 92/93.

427SC, Torch Red / white stripes
427 Windsor Stroker from Southern Automotive
Delicious example of Beauty + Power.

[eliminator]

Phil,

you need to be around 6-8 degree inital and no more than 38 degrees total. You will have to drive it to find out what is best, somewhere between 34-38 degrees total. I sold my Ford convered electronic ignition from SA, EBay is a good place for it. Highly recommend a MSD mechanical Pro Billet Dist. Remember that old Ford distributor with bushings around the shaft is turning your oil pump! MSD has a heavy duty shaft with bearings. Also has adjustability with spring changes and bushings.

Rick
#4279405

[pgermond]

Rick,

Is the distributor you are referring to MSD PN 8350?

Thanks!

Phil

427 Roadster, #4279436
Southern Automotive FE
3:31 and Toploader

Roseville (N.Cal)

[eliminator]

Phil,

No, the part number is #8594, MSD Pro Billet Distributor with mechanical advance. The 8350 is not for a FE engine and it's vaccum advance. JEG's 121-8594, 239.99. Are you using the MSD Box?

Rick

Rick
#4279405

[pgermond]

Hey Rick, for some reason the notification of your reply wound up in my bulk mailbox. Yes, I'm using the MSD box. Thanks for the correct part #. I was wondering why the dist I was looking at had a vacuum advance pot on it. Is it a direct swap meaning - the electrical connector, as in "yank the old one out and plug the new one in"?

Thanks :D

Phil

427 Roadster, #4279436
Southern Automotive FE
3:31 and Toploader

Roseville (N.Cal)

[pgermond]

Rick,

Sorry... one more thing if it is easy, if not I'll look it up... suggested plug-n-coil wire PN?

Thanks in advance - and only if you have it handy.

Phil

427 Roadster, #4279436
Southern Automotive FE
3:31 and Toploader

Roseville (N.Cal)

[eliminator]

Phil,

The distributor change is a direct plug in, you have an adapter for the MSD to the Ford distributor, you discard it and plug it in. What I always do is get number one cylinder up TDC, pull the distributor cap, mark the location of the rotor on you turkey pan with a Sharpie. Pull the distributor and put the new one in with the rotor pointing at your mark. Will be a little off at first because of the helical gear but will align when it is down against the intake. Maybe a little difficult at first if the oil pump drive shaft doesnt align with the distributor drive, may have to turn a little. Time it and thats it. Don't forget to put some assembly lube on the distributor gear, it has to break in too. Use the light silver springs and the small bushing on your distributor advance. The coil I use is a MSD High Vibration Blaster Coil, mounts any position, p/n 8222, Jeg's p/n 121-8222, 39.99.

Rick
#4279405