Advance lack of response on RPM on a 31

[The Master Cylinder]

Have y'all tried removing the Pertorix and using points?

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Phil Brown

Try a distributor with an old set of points in it if you can, if it runs better or ok then that probably confirms what Bob said

Originally Posted by nkaminar

I have not had very good luck with electronic ignition. A lot of people swear by them but not me. I went back to the mechanical points and condensor. Although I do use V8 points and condensor.

Originally Posted by Flathead

Testing it with the points and condenser should help to solve this.

Originally Posted by Ruth

I would install stock type points and condenser and test it.

Originally Posted by The Master Cylinder

Have y'all tried removing the Pertorix and using points?

Has anyone suggest trying points yet?

[Banditorama]

Originally Posted by old31

NK, what are the differences with the v8 points vs the standard?

I am a huge proponent of electronic vs points. No condenser to go bad, nothing to adjust.

Think about it, American auto makes have been using electronic since the 80's. When was the last time your new or antique car died due to the electronics.

I've experienced more sensor/module issues in my "newer" cars than any mechanical faults. My old 93 Mustangs PCM failed due to electrolytic capacitor failure

I don't even know where to start with my TDI VW. That thing has been a nightmare. Those Germans seem to love burying the most failure prone sensors as deep under everything as they can.

[Pete]

Do you know exactly how much advance you have when adjusting various things?
Different engines require different advance curves and amounts depending what modifications have been done or not done.

If you haven't already, get some timing tape and get ready to install it on your front pulley, then get a timing light. Next, determine where top dead center on #1 cylinder is by using the timing pin in the cam gear cover. DO NOT TURN THE ENGINE FROM HERE ON.
Now make a pointer to install under one of the front cover bolts. Put it so you will be able to see it easily with the timing light shining on it. Now install the tape with the ZERO exactly under the pointer. This is top center and you will be reading degrees advance or retard at this point in relation to the tape on the pulley. You will probably have to re-calibrate the pointer if you ever remove it.

Now fire up the engine and observe where the timing is set and if it advances and how much, with rpm.

All of this won't cure the problem you are having but it will enable you to know what is actually going on when you change something.