DEMON44
Low-Tech Redneck
The air fuel and spark have to all arrive at the correct time. Or combustion is a no go.
CK5
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how can i get more power from my 454?
- Thread starter the_blaze
- Start date
Ok. I didn't know that could make it act like this. I adjusted mine using a you tube video as a guide I thought I had it spot on but it's worth a look.
Yeah. Another big issue is i am doing this by myself so I can't turn it over and make adjustments at the same time. Do you think it is an absolute must to degree the cam? The performance shop I ordered it from said they have never had a crane cam be off
DEMON44
Low-Tech Redneck
Valves. Too tight and a valve could be held open. No/low compression. No combustion. You'll also quickly burn out a valve with that condition.
If cam is on the marks. It should work. Degreeing the cam optimizes it.
If cam is on the marks. It should work. Degreeing the cam optimizes it.
Yeah that could explain why only a handful of spark plugs are coming out clean and wet. Without compression I guess the gas won't burn. Thanks for the advice guys. This is why I turn here for help.
Does anyone have a link showing how to adjust these valves the right way?
Any luck with this?
I know that feeling. 
gonefishin
1/2 ton status
Advance the timing. Sounds like its a tooth off. Twist the distributor a little less than 1/8 turn counter clockwise
Does anyone have any advice on adjusting the valves? Is there a trick to getting them right?
A wise person once told me:
"A person who works on a vehicle without a manual has an idiot for a mechanic."
It's $20 for a Haynes or Chilton manual and it will pay for itself in saved time and aggravation.
I followed the manual. I actually have a book just for the 454 and another one for my jimmy. I followed the instructions to the t but feel like they might be off
gonefishin
1/2 ton status
Why don't you get a timing light and a buddy. Hook the light up and check the ignition timing while someone cranks it over. Or you could get a remote starter. I would say its way more likely an ignition timing rather than valve timing.
I have someone coming up on Saturday. The goal is to finish this weekend
Another thought on this comment,
People go to forums to tap into others knowledge and experience. Sometimes someone has a simple trick that makes a job much easier. The books are not all knowing but I agree they are a decent guideline for most jobs.
No worries. even with books and YouTube I have found that there is almost always someone out there with a better way of doing things. I have received a ton or useful insight from people here so I almost always turn here when I have questions.
Yeah so true! I keep reading everyone's posts and keep info in the back of my head. Everybody learns something.
I just don`t get how you and Mike "Beast" are having so much trouble firing these Big blocks.
You will get it!
Ok I did something really dumb. I took the carb apart and realized I left the gasket off the power valve. ... runs now. I still need to adjust the timing but it's much much closer to being on the road
Good job finding the issue 
