L81 pluts and tune
Gerry LP correctly says "initial" timing. An "initial" timing set, in this case 6 deg BTDC can be used to get an engine runniing, but optimal timing is best set using dwell meters, and exhaust / tune analyzers. so if not in your bag of tricks, after installing your plugs it is not a bad idea to have a good shop that does hot rods and older cars for the classic car guys..do your final tune set up..and note for you what that set up is. This may include some tweaking of the carb. Be sure to have a fresh clean airfilter in place, and good quality fresh gas. ( I prefer no ethanol with added Octane improver and Techron or similar) By the way the AC Delco Rapidfire plug #2 is on shelves in two mfg generations.. one a serrated tip. the other a small non adjustable pre-set tip..be sure you have all 8 of the same type..I just got delivery on a set that was a mix of both, or simply use the R45TS. R=resistor, 4= 14mm; 5 is the heat range, T means tapered seat with no washer, S means extended tip.
The 80, 81, 82 got the worst of the Federal and Californian mileage and smog rules so the good ol 350 was all detuned and bottled up. I have the all smog removed, including no catalytic, (over 30 yr old cars here do not need state or county smog checks..find out what is required in your area) and have the Edelbrock Performer series of cam, intake manifold and carb. Intake manifold polished Edelbrock Performance: EDL 21011; torque sequence see per Edelbrock, 25ft lb.
Edelbrock carb: Edelbrock Weber 1406 1734,
Edelbrock Performer cam kit SBC, EDL 2102 , cam specs see PerformerPlus #2102. Use only sure seat valve spgs #5802 or 5809, use stock ratio rocker arms only. Use only link timing chain gear set #7800, Do not use late model sets.
timing set EDL 7802 ;cam chnge kit MRG-4400 from Summit Racing.
Intake gskt EDL7201 Gasgacinch 4oz EDL9300
Edelbrock (made by K&N) aircleaner, tri-angle, 2.5 deep, 13.125 Across, can be cleaned, oiled. Check clearance carefully to hood, use a flat nut to secure. You can use clay or weathersrip with sticky side up on top of the aircleaner in about 6 places..if the hood contacts the wxstrip it will stick to the hood..if not it stays where it is on top of the aircleaner.
Accel distrib and 8.8mm plug wires.
After much research and asking this is what I have learned..but as in all web posts do some checking for yourself to verify. For your new to you C3, 4 wheel alignment is critical to good handling, but only after bushings in all suspension parts, front and rear are checked or replaced and wheel bearings replaced, packed, and properly adjusted. Suspension bushings especially in the trailing arms, and the wheel bearings are weak points in the later C3. Use ONLY Timken wheel bearings and set the very minimal (almost none....001) clearance carefully. It's a good idea to replace the "rag" coupler in the steering column as well. It will take some web research to learn about the alignment specs and what you will want on your car, but the original factory specs should NOT be used. You will want near max caster, some toe in of all 4, and some negative camber..all 4 (top of tire "inward" from the bottom). Various sites will discuss settings depending on driving and astrology. I like 2.75 to 3 deg caster (set to max the A arms will allow..about 3), .5 deg camber front and rear, and 1/8" total front toe (1/16 per side) , rear is also 1/8" total, but if the car is darty on some pavement up to 1/4" total front toe in. First Set rear camber then toe to establish thrust, set front toe last, after caster and camber.
