I've finally got the Grande up and running after swapping out the FMX for a top loader. However, it's running crappy. It was modified in a speed shop before I got it and was rated at 350hp. My mistake in not getting the rebuild specs. That being said, I installed a new Holley 600 with vacuum secondaries and has a stock Motorcraft 12127 distributor with Pertronix upgrade and Flamethrower coil. Fires right up at 10degrees BTC. No hesitation in acceleration when easing on the pedal but hesitates when jumping on it in each gear. Acceleration rate is terrible. I have stock 2.79 gears, but with 350hp, should light up. I set the accelerator pump as per Holley directions and the float level is correct. Also increased the accelerator pump nozzles to a 35 from a 31. Vacuum at idle is just over 15. The carb power valve is stock at 6.5. Now for the interesting part - the timing is set at 10BTC for #1 cylinder, but the opposing cylinder shows 12BTC. The end play on the distributor shaft I measured at .04 (not positive on what the tolerance should be) with no wobble side to side but I noticed the rotor contact is scraping the top of the cap at each point. I thought the Pertronix magnet might be a tad too thick where the rotor sits but I put a caliper to it and the measurement is OK. Also of note, I have a small fuel pressure gauge screwed into the chrome fuel line to the Holley and it reads 9psi. Seems odd since I have a stock mechanical fuel pump. The plugs are black indicating too rich but all I've read says the hesitation is from being too lean. I'm trying to fit this puzzle together between issues with the distributor, carb and timing. Any ideas?
