As far as what tape to purchase-they don't make one for the Y-block but there is one made that's real close.They are sold based on diameter of the damper and I think the closest is Small Block Ford or Small Block Brand X.I don't remember which it was that I purchased but maybe someone else here will.

  

I've never had good luck with the tapes - and usually calculate the advance distance (damper diameter times Pi divided by 10 equals 36º).

If for instance you have the distributor's mechanical advance stops set in the slots for 10º (x2) - that would result in a drop back to near 16º initial at idle. Many guys that run "ported" manifold vacuum to the distributor report good results with 16º initial.

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

Thanks for that formula ( actually a big DUH! on my part, haha. That's too easy). I'll check it out.

One other question for you guys. Do you think that the Multi-spark of the Pertronix III could be messing up the reading of the timing light? Like when it flashes. Off the wall question but I heard in the past that a MSD can cause a light to give erratic flashes.

"The Master Cylinder"

Enjoying life at the beach in SOCAL

Master, No! I have run both and had no problems with spark scatter. If you are seeing this, make sure the cap and rotor are good and connections to & from the coil. I'd also take a look at the dist plates for a bad ground or something loose.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Thanks Frank. I'll go back and check everything. Gotta be something I missed. Either that or she's just gettin' persnickety on me.

Marked the damper for 36° BTDC per Steve's suggestion but won't have a chance to to look under her skirt for a couple of days now tho.




"The Master Cylinder"

Enjoying life at the beach in SOCAL

I should probably add that because I haven't had issues with the Pertronix doesn't mean it can't happen. They did in fact have issues with the first two series, lotsa complaints about them.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Master cyl, sounds like your engine has an other than stock cam. Y-Blocks just don't seem to run with less than 14° advance once any performance cam is installed. For what its worth, I had nothing but trouble with the basic Pertronix units but everyone I talked to loved them so I generally didn't say much about it.

Enjoying life EAST of PCH

http://ford-y-block.com 

20 miles east of San Diego, 20 miles north of Mexico

Frank, hard to work out some of the symptoms our friends relate here for us to help, i,ve only heard that the pertronix 1st series could burn out if ignition left on for periods while testing things, i have 3 cars with pertronix 11 and correct coils for years with no problems and nice performance. I often think other nuances cause half the problems.

  AussieBill            YYYY    Forever Y Block     YYYY

 Down Under, Australia

Great Topic,

How much total advance advisable with a Y Block, is 42 to much? How soon should it all be in, 2000 rpm, 2500 rpm? We have a 57 272 with G heads, cam shaft 238 @50, 16 degrees of overlap, .485 on intake and exhaust, 113 sep.

Please don't be afraid to hurt my feelings if the cam is to much for a 272 in a Custom 300 with 3 speed overdrive.

First stop will be to have the 57 distributor evaluated on a machine by a very reputable ignition specialist. Then a 57 autolite 4100 will replace the 600 Holly. The problem is we do not have a great deal of experience with Y block.

Thank you all!

Eeeep... That never even crossed my mind. Yes it does have a Clay Smith cam. That explains some things. Thanks for the info. I'm still going to check TOTAL advance to make sure it isn't advancing too far due to the initial timing being at ~ 16° BTDC.



I had a Pert I go out on me be I must admit it was my fault for leaving the key on with the engine S/D for some adjustments. It worked fine before that. I was using it to trigger my MSD 6A. That problem has supposedly been rectified with the II and III.



Finally someone answered my question about life EAST of PCH...

"The Master Cylinder"

Enjoying life at the beach in SOCAL