Distributer

[steven d. ferguson]

My engine runs much smoother

Justin,
I did the same thing with mine. It was the first thing I did in fact.
I assume your referring to bypassing the TV switch & going straight ot a
ported vacuum source for the vacuum advance. Did make a good difference
& even running 10 deg advance on a hot day on an incline I can't get it
to ping.
Steve Ferguson
San Diego

 

[steven d. ferguson]

Yes, a vacuum source below the throttle plates i.e. manifold.

I went to a "ported" vacuum source which is above the throttle plates.
Did I miss something here?
Steve Ferguson
San Diego

 

[steven d. ferguson]

says that in the early to mid 80's car manufactures changed to
manifold vacuum source for the distributor i.e. below the throttle
plates.

I guess I failed to mention that I bypassed the TV switch. I hate
those things. (Personal position, mind you.) If you are using the TV
switch, you should use a source of constant vacuum ie below the throttle
plate. If you are bypassing the TV switch, a quick way to test which
source you're using is to disconnect the vacuum line to the advance can,
if the idle stays the same you are connected to a "ported source". If
it drops, its a constant source. Controlling advance by using a TV
switch was one of the 70's "bandaids" used to get these engines to
comply with emissions requirements so nearly all vehicles using a TV
switch used a constant source of vacuum. Auto manufacturers threw a lot
of garbage at these things in the 70's in an effort to effect some sort
of compliance with emerging concerns over burgeoning emissions laws.
A good example of the success of the 70's effort is to look at the
number of vehicles on the roads today that are 60's, 70-82, 83-90's.
Ain't too many of the 70-82's left.
HTH,
Steve Ferguson
San Diego