Timing, dwell, RPM '62 235?

[tj62]

With the weather warming up, I'm getting out and working on my 62 236 I6 and after getting it running last year, I'm trying to fine tune it this year. Its not rolling yet due to trans probs, but the engine is doing well.

When I give it gas slowly, it will rev fine, but if I try to hit it quickly, it sounds like it bogs down and can't keep up. My dad said check the timing, so working on that, but in the mean time, have adjusted the points and using a dwell/tachometer trying to get the points and carb set before adjusting the timing with the distributor (either advancing or retarding as needed ).

I've looked everywhere and so far the only info I can find is on 235's in other cars, like an impala. Here's the stats

dwell 28-32

RPM at idle 500 ( this seems really low, its at about 1000 right now and when I turned it down to 500 it nearly died and I couldn't give it any gas without it just about dying.

Timing: 5 before TDC (is this right at idle?)

Is it really tricky to drop in a new, electronic distributor so I don't have to mess with the points anymore? I read that I can get an old one off a late 70s model and it would "drop right in" with some light rewiring, but not sure.

I noticed the distributor does advance some when revving, but then backs off as it bogs down, when I rotate it fully counter clockwise and rev it, it does better and if rotated clockwise, it nearly dies at idle.

Are those figures above correct?

Any ideas whether its timing, dwell, RPM's or what's causing the lagging so bad? Thanks, I know its a lot of info.

[Ghostwhite]

Having the same issues with my 62, I can get the timing right.

[steve'62]

I was having the same problem with mine but I reset the dwell then the timing with the light and then the carb, much better throttle response. Really make sure its on the top of the lobe before you set te gap. I set mine at .18