VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 '50 - gapping for modern fuels?

Hi all -

Put in new points and plugs for my '50 Deluxe with 6 cyl. last week, and I used the gapping specs from the official Chev service manual. However, I recall JYDog and ChevGene, among others, pointed out in the past about gapping the plugs different, and advancing the distributor a bit different, on my '32 than what the original specs called for. If I can remember, I think it was to help add additional power with the modern gasolines.

Would there be a suggested gap to set these plugs and points for modern use on the '50, or, am I still good to go on the original service specs?

For the 1950 gap plugs as per the manual. I advance the timig a few extra degrees.

Thanks, ChevGene. To help me along a bit further...the manual calls for lining up the steel ball with the pointer. If I advance a bit further as you say, what is the practical point to set the advance (that is, just before the steel ball disappears)?

I set the octane selector at zero. I set the pointer to line up with the ball. Then I move the octane selector to 8 to 10 Deg. advanced. If the engine turns over with some difficulty the timing is too far advanced. Then I retard the octane selector about 2 Deg.
Its almost impossible to advance the octane selector to make the engine ping (as described inthe shop manual) as todays gas has a much higher octane rating than the gas of 1950.
The reason I fine tune with the octane selector is you can change the timing without needing a timing light.

Great idea! I'll give it a try.