Re: distributor/intake interference question
 

If it's on ported vacumn it won't make any difference at idle speed.
I 'd say adjust your timing by the vacumn gauge to get the best idle and clamp er down. Then drive it and seen how it performs. If hard starts show up back it down in approximately 2* increments until it starts good again hot.

You know tuning the engine to achieve best idle somehow doesn't make good sense to me since we don't drive down the road at idle speed. :rolleyes:

Re: distributor/intake interference question
 

Long Roof, I think I have heard about timing tabs that were straight up. I don't think my engine is one of them though, as the water pump would completely cover it up. You could be right about the balancer not being stock. I will continue to fiddle with the timing and see how it turns out. This is REAL incentive to get my new engine finished and in my truck. THANK YOU EVERYONE for all of the ideas and help!!!!!!

Re: distributor/intake interference question
 

I found the problem. The mechanical advance was frozen. THANKS sixlug! I was able to loosen it and time it correctly. I had limited experience with the internals of a distributor and did not know how it should behave if working correctly.

Re: distributor/intake interference question
 

Boy, that'll sure do it alright. Been there. Mine got so sluggish it wouldn't pull itself on level ground. lol