"How To....."
Timing the SVDA Distributor
(September 05, 2017)Use a timing light & set the timing initially at 30-32° BTDC at 3,500+ RPM, vacuum hose disconnected and plugged.
Maximum advance, at 3,500+ RPM, vacuum hose connected, with no load on engine (car stationary), light throttle, should not exceed 42-44° BTDC.
For proper operation of the distributor's vacuum advance, the vacuum source needs to be able to generate a minimum of about 8 inches (200 mm) of Hg. If your engine is running a high-lift, long duration cam, with cam overlap or an aftermarket carburetor setup without an available vacuum source, the vacuum-advance mechanism may not advance fully. However, the distributor's centrifugal-advance mechanism will provide the same advance curve as a properly adjusted 009 centrifugal-advance distributor, simply by capping off the vacuum port.
Compatible Carburetors: The following carburetors should produce the proper amount of vacuum for use with the SVDA 123 or 034 distributor (if they are fitted with a vacuum port):
- Weber ICT, DFAV or DFEV
- Solex 30PICT-3
- Bocar 30/31
- Single or dual IDF
- DRLA
- Solex 30/31
- 1972-1974 VW bus with dual carburetors
- Kadron
- Solex 34PICT series
- Bocar 34PICT series
If your car has Kadron or ICT carbs, connect the vacuum hose to at least one carburetor. If your car has dual IDF or DRLA carbs, run a vacuum hose to both carburetors, T them together and then run the vacuum hose to the SVDA vacuum port.
If your 1971 VW Bus or 1971-74 VW Beetle/Ghia/Thing has the original dual-vacuum distributor and you replace it with the SVDA, you'll need to plug (cap off) the carburetor's retard vacuum port, which is the port located closest to you as you're looking at the carburetor from the rear of the car. Use the advance vacuum port, located on the left side of the 34PICT carburetor.
