'64 365hp update: new question

[Verne Frantz]

For those of you waiting for an update on the headlight problem or the rear axle code, as discussed earlier, I will have to provide that later, as my time was spent sorting out tuning and hot start problems. Turns out, the original Holley was replaced (not long ago, and we are busy trying to track it down). Also, the engine evidently went through a rebuild, probably early 80s, details of that still unknown at this time. More research.
Question on the timing tab. This timing tab is over 2" long and has "points", like I've seen on later years, every 4 deg.. The balancer appears to be original. The car seems to run best when this timing mark is set to "0"! I suspect the cover was meant for the later balancer with the 8 deg retard from the keyway. An accurate description of the correct timing tab would be appreciated, or perhaps even a link to a photo of one. By the way, there isn't much room to swing the distributor due to the narrow clearance for the vacumn advance pot between the coil and rear manifold runner! Is this normal? The distributer was installed incorrectly anyway; #1 is 'before' the dwell window, rather than after it.
And yes, I know I need to add some manuals to my collection if I'm to continue to work on this car.......and not bother you gentlemen so much. Thanks
Verne.

[Joe L.]

Re: '64 365hp update: new question

Verne------

Most of the "pointed" timing tabs that I've seen are of the bolt-on type in which 2 timing cover retaining bolts secure the timing tab. Check to see if yours is of this design. All of these bolt on timing tabs that I am aware of are of the 69+ timing mark configuration. At least, all of the ones ever available from GM are of the 69+ style.

Your original timing tab was rectangular and spot welded to the cover. Reproductions (which have to also be welded to the timing cover) are available in reproduction.

[Joe L.]

Re: '64 365hp update: new question

Verne------

Most of the "pointed" timing tabs that I've seen are of the bolt-on type in which 2 timing cover retaining bolts secure the timing tab. Check to see if yours is of this design. All of these bolt on timing tabs that I am aware of are of the 69+ timing mark configuration. At least, all of the ones ever available from GM are of the 69+ style.

Your original timing tab was rectangular and spot welded to the cover. Reproductions (which have to also be welded to the timing cover) are available in reproduction.

[Clem Z.]

Re: '64 365hp update: new question

you can check for a accurate TDC mark by using piston stop GM part # 12364087.

[Clem Z.]

Re: '64 365hp update: new question

you can check for a accurate TDC mark by using piston stop GM part # 12364087.

[Duke W.]

Re: '64 365hp update: new question

Pull the distributor and check that the dimple in the drive gear is pointing the same direction as the rotor tip. Guys install them 180 out, then the "fix"is to reindex the wires. There's only one way to do it right.

You should have the '63 Corvette Shop Manual and '65 supplement. Interestingly, the proper installation of the drive gear (dimple orientation) is not stated in the manual.

Duke

[Duke W.]

Re: '64 365hp update: new question

Pull the distributor and check that the dimple in the drive gear is pointing the same direction as the rotor tip. Guys install them 180 out, then the "fix"is to reindex the wires. There's only one way to do it right.

You should have the '63 Corvette Shop Manual and '65 supplement. Interestingly, the proper installation of the drive gear (dimple orientation) is not stated in the manual.

Duke