Spark plug gap with MAD 6AL

[sinlinson]

I'm running a MSD 6AL on my mildly built 360, .030 over, Comp Cams Xtreme Energy 230/236 hyd. (.230/.488- .236/.491), Edelbrock aluminum heads 650 Holley Brawler carb. Car is not driven much, less than 200 miles last year. Running NKG 4554 R5671A-8 plugs. Started having hard starts, running rough and blowing smoke until warmed up. pulled the plugs and they were black. Pretty sure my issue is just starting it every once in a while and not driving it enough. Question is what plug gap are you guys running with MSD boxes? I've read up to .050, but looking for opinions. Thanks in advance.

 

[Demonracer]

It looks like it's running pig rich, try jetting the carburetor down a notch or two. I would start the gap at .045 and not exceed .055. Begin with the basics on the tune up, 16-17* initial timing and around 34* total timing.

 

[jimjimjimmy]

I have tryed many gaps and for me 0.045 i found i like the best with MSD 6AL

 

[Newbomb Turk]

Don’t change anything until you get that plug out of there.

That plug is at least 3 ranges too COLD.

And why the racing plug? You don’t need a racing plug.

You need something in a 5 heat range.

Get those in there first and then start reading the plugs.

 

[67Dart273]

The wider the gap, the more stress you put on cap, rotor, wires. That spark is looking for an easy path to ground, and if it can punch a hole through the rotor easier than it can jump a plug, it will. In other words, there is a practical limit to the benefits of a wider gap. I would not go over .040-45, just personally. That's inches, not metric

 

[Bewy]

Agree, needs hotter NGK 5 heat range plugs.
What is the initial timing? Nice looking car.