Vacuum Advance Question

[whitey]

OK...
I got a Mancini Distributor (non adjustable vacuum advance). I wanted to be able to FINE tune my timing so I replaced the non adjustable with an adjustable. When I started my Dart, I got a big 'pop', not like a back fire.
I disconnected the vacuum line to the distrib and restarted the car and it ran fine, just needs timing adjusted.
My question is, what should I do to set this up initially? I guess an example of what I'm talking about is the mixture screws on a carb; when you first set it up and you bottom them out then back them out so many turns.?
This is basically a stock distributor that I want to put a stock 'adjustable' vacuum advance on.

Thanks,
Eric

 

[goldduster318]

well, the advance should not be active at idle. So, you need to hook it to ported vacuum on your carb. If you have a standard holley, its the port on the passenger side of the metering block. I'm sure others know where the good ports are on other carbs.

To tune the vacuum advance, you need a dial back timing light and a vacuum gauge. basically, you open the throttle slightly and hold it until the vacuum reaches the point where it starts advancing. IIRC, clockwise brings it in faster and counterclockwise delays it. I'd start with it coming in at 7" Hg. Then take it for a drive and see if it pings when you lug it up a hill. If it does, delay it a bit.