<VV> a plethora of dumb questions (distributor)

[Ramon Rodriguez III]

Greetings all,

     In trying to optimize my hot rodded 140 my timing curve has come into
question.  Today I tackled this... the first step was to find the number on
the distributor to identify if it is the correct one.  This leads me to ask;
Where the heck is it!!!  I pulled the distributor out expecting to see the
number on the outside of it somewhere but I cant find anything but an "A" (I
think) on it.  Assuming I didn't somehow miss it I decided the number must
be inside the distributor... leading to my next question.

     I installed a pertronix II in the car a year or more ago.  I opened the
distributor to look for the number but I can't get the points plate off
because the ring for the pertronix II (that covers the cam portion of the
shaft) is in the way.  I don't remember the details of the install and don't
have the instructions so I was afraid to damage it... how the heck do I get
this thing off?  In the end I even tried carefully grabbing it with pliers
but it seemed I would damage it before I got it to budge.  I should also
mention I had a heck of a time getting the rotor to come off, so it is
probably similarly stuck.

     Since I'm going to have the points plate off and the goal is to make
sure I've got a good timing curve is there any way to check the tension of
the advance springs?  They are definitely not "loose" but should I check or
maybe just replace them?  As I recall you can get springs with different
rates..  for best performance on a 140 with a 280 Isky cam any suggestions
on buying advance springs?

     Lastly I'd appreciate some info on checking the vacuum advance unit.  I
know it works but I'd like to make sure it works at the right amount of
vacuum (I have a tool to check it).  How much vacuum should need to be
applied for it to begin moving?  I also think I recall something about
adjusting these by bending something a little or some such... any advice
here considering that I'm trying to optimize things for the hot rod 140?


Thanks all for your time!

-- 
Ray "Grymm" Rodriguez
Lake Ariel, PA
66,' 65', 63'