[400GTO]

I have a power issue on my 72 GTO that I just picked up a few weeks ago. The car seems to be lacking in power till it hits about 2500 rpm then takes off like i had just kicked in some nitro. Even doing a break torque it wont break the tire loose but the car will light up the tire in the 1-2 and 2-d shifts? The car has a 76 400 with 6x heads, Eldebrock Performer pontiac intake and carb, MSD 6A ignition, MSD non- vacume advance distributor, Accel super coil, Hooker headers, TH-350 trans with 3000rpm converter and shift kit, 12 bolt rear end with 3.55 gears.
I tried changing the Carb to see if that was the problem with same resaults.
Does anyone have any idea's where I should focus? Could it be an ignition/ distributor problem? Like I said when the car hits about 2500 it launches and puts you in back your seat but before that its a total dog.

[WDCreech]

Sounds like you have a bone stock convertor and a cam that should have one that stalls to at least 2500, if not 2800 or 3000.

[blue69bird]

Try advancing the timming.

[LPete]

Originally Posted by WDCreech

Sounds like you have a bone stock convertor and a cam that should have one that stalls to at least 2500, if not 2800 or 3000.

Or a defective convertor...

[400GTO]

The timing is set at 0 deg. I can try to advance it and see what happens. The Cam is very lopey although I dont know what size it is exactly, the converter is supposed to be a 3000 stall B&M

[WDCreech]

400GTO, pump the brakes up tight and mash the throttle to see how high the rpm is at stall. I'll guess that the convertor is way too tight! Let us know what you find out.

[400GTO]

how can i tell when the car reaches the stall speed?

[WDCreech]

It'll either stop gaining rpm or start spinning the tires.

[400GTO]

I tried doing the break torque to see how far the RPMS would go up. It went to about 1,900 and would not go any higher on the RPM's and would not spin the tires.

[Billy177]

Originally Posted by 400GTO

The timing is set at 0 deg. I can try to advance it and see what happens. The Cam is very lopey although I dont know what size it is exactly, the converter is supposed to be a 3000 stall B&M

there is your problem right there you will need at advance it and maby rucurve it for less mechanical advance. this should smooth out your idle too

[400GTO]

You guys were right on with this one! I moved the timing up from 0 to 16 btdc and wala instant extream power!!!!. The trans shifts better, the car idles better, more vacume for the breaks ( went from 10 to 15 in of vacume). Thank you all very much!

[WDCreech]

400GTO, What does the convertor stall to now? At 1900 it sounded like you had a stock convertor, but with the increased power it might go somewhat higher. Be sure to check where your total timing is at about 3000 rpm, w/o the vacuum advance hooked up. With pump gas you don't want any more than about 36 degrees, but more than likely, less.