Timing's still funny

[monkeyracing]

Hey guys. I thought I had my timing issues sorted out a few weeks ago, but it seems there are still problems. Initially I had set the timing up wrong, and the car would lack power below 3400rpm, and then take off like a scalded rabbit above that. So, I advanced the heck out of the timing, and it runs a lot better, uses less gas, and I thought all was well.

I've noticed since then that I still have the surge of power at and over 3400rpm, but I also have valve clatter, like the timing is advanced far too much.

Nothing has changed on the engine except for the intake manifold since this problem appeared. I can't see the intake doing this, but who knows?

So, what I'm trying to figure out is if this is distributor related, or maybe ignition module related. I know the cam belt is dead on, so that kind of clears that issue up.

Any thoughts? Oh yeah, 87 block, 88 intake, 89-ish ECU, 93 Festy distributor.

[WmWatt]

Can get the ICM (ignition control module) tested fro free at some auto parts shops.

[Fordverde]

May be you have a huge vaccum leak on the intake. If not, try to set the timing at 12deg, it works great for me since the gas from where I live is very poor in quality

[monkeyracing]

I suspect the ignition module, but the fact that it happened about the same time that I swapped intakes still bugs me. I'm going to look into a few more things (without the help of my "mechanic" friend) to see if there's anything that may have been missed. I still thing there's something not right about the timing belt, even though I check it several times.

As for vacuum leaks...heck no! One of the reasons I installed new gaskets a few weeks ago was to rid myself of pesky leaks. I fixed 'em good! Thanks for the advice though.