I decided to "float around" and see what I could find about PJ recommending locking out distributors and other timing recommendations. My impressions are that he probably can build a great carb for pure racing applications, but his idea of a street friendly tune just don't make much sense to me.
I've found that he even feels here should be no vacuum advance on old street driven 13 second Buicks, as seen here:
http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?89820
There was another thread I found where he seemed to continuously beat the locked dizzy drum. The fellow tuning the car felt it was a crutch and stuck with his own approach to find a more street friendly solution. If you care to read-
http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=153448
I can appreciate that a performance engine can't be tuned like a stocker, and that is part of the reason I thought this thread has relevance. I know there are better ways to tune performance street engines running pump gas than deleting the VA and locking distributors.
Now Tracy, it kinda seems like there is a bit of an edge to the way you've responded here. Why do you think I haven't built any high h.p., big inch motors and tuned them for he street?
There are several ways to tune and engine for the street. Modern electronics offer plenty of options. What has begun with my Dad's post and my follow-up is that you can achieve great results with modifications to the basic items which were stock on these cars to begin with. I can't see how eliminating the VA and locking the distributor provides a better tune. Help me understand how it does.
Kudos to you on your cylinder leak down results! That is better than many racing engines and something I would never have expected from any street engine. You've got to be doing something right to get those numbers.