How to adjust Mechanical Spark Advance Timing

[Charger72SE]

after replacing my old crusty distributor with a remanufactured distributor from Paddock, I began getting pinging when accelerating.  I figured it could be the gas or timing so I invested in a timing light.

I have a 440 HP with Holley 4 bbl carb all stock with the exception of a 30 over rebuild with Speed Pro 6 pack pistons that took the compression from 8:2 to about 9:4

at 900 rpm the Initial timing was at 9-10* which is spec

but at 2700 rpm the Mechanical timing was at 13* instead of 36-38*

how do I get the Mechanical advance down to 36-38*?  I believe the distributor came with light springs.  Do heavier springs help?

thanks for any advice!!

[John_Kunkel]

Heavier springs won't limit the amount of centrifugal advance but they will limit how quickly the advance comes in.

[flyinlow]

I at 900 rpm the Initial timing was at 9-10* which is spec

but at 2700 rpm the Mechanical timing was at 13* instead of 36-38*




I hope 13* was a typo. If not dont get in any races with 318"s you will lose.

Spring strength controls the rate of advance vs. rpm .  The length of the slots in the advance control the total centrifical advance.