Help! Irratic Idle and Power w/ detonation on Drivers bank

[74bigblock]

Something is wrong with the big block. I thought it might be as simple as a bad battery connection causing the detonation. I was wrong. Today I thouroghly inspected everything. I can't figure out what the prob is.

Symptoms:
-Rough and irratic idle cycles from 500-750rpms.
-Lack of power upon throttle increase (from a little gas to WOT, loss of power), and it surges like the idle does.
-occasional detonation on driver's bank cyl's.
-bog after coming to a stop... and will stall if I don't blip the gas.

What I've checked so far:
-Plugs (new, but ran fine for 40 miles with new plugs... now all of sudden) I rechecked the gaps and made sure wires were secure.
-Plug Wires... made sure none were touching and all secure to plugs and disty (The Disty is new too... has about 500 miles on it... if that many).

I am checking the timing tomorrow but after that I am at a loss as to the issue. The car ran fine before the plugs and wires... and ran fine after as well... for about 40 miles. Could it be my PCV valve perhaps?

Your advise would be greaty appreciated.

-Dave

 

[photovette]

The problem is in the distributor or there's a plug wire grounding out that you didn't see on the first few searches. Been there.

 

[74bigblock]

12:30 Central Sunday... we are checking timing, distrib., and vac hoses, as well as the wires again. I will update in a few hours.


THIS SUCKS! It's 55 deg outside!! I wanna go for a cruise!

 

[atmmac]

if you have a holley couldnt it be a blown power valve?

 

[JohnZ]

Sounds like a timing issue (timing varying, vac advance "dithering" at idle); look for a vacuum leak in the headlight control system, or between the carb and the vacuum advance can. Is your vacuum advance connected to full manifold vacuum (not "ported" vacuum)? The vacuum advance can needs to be matched to your idle manifold vacuum - how much vacuum do you see at idle?

 

[74bigblock]

DOHHHH!!!!!!!!! After re checking everything and I mean EVERYTHING....


It was the idle. Bumped it up a bit... good to go. I did also install my NOS seatbelts while I was grubby! Nice to feel safe again.

Thanks for all the replys!

-Dave


I'm goin for a CRUISE!!!

 

[atmmac]

glad you figured it out have fun!!