Manual spark control?

[Psycho_Bob]

Is there any way to control an ESC distributor manually?  It would be nice to have some method of manually doing what the ESC controller should do.  Maybe a simple dial potentiometer to control advance so I dont have to open the hood to retard it when I am towing or hauling wood.  What would I have to tie into to make this happen?

[VileZambonie]

Msd has a set up but if your timing is set correctly the ESC module will retard the ignition timing if the knock sensor detects spark knock. If you're pinging bad under load I would suggest checking out what's causing it rather than just trying to retard the timing.

[Psycho_Bob]

Well, the ESC system in my truck has already been bypassed by a previous owner.  I am currently set at 10 degrees BTDC, and this will run fine unless I am under a very heavy load.   However, when it is this far retarded the engine really struggles to start when it is warm, like the engine is trying to kick backwards as it is firing.  If it is set at 8 degrees, it pings under normal acceleration, but has none of the hot start problems.  The emissions sticker says to set it at 4 degrees, and it really runs like crap there.  I'm not sure if the dampener may have spun a little on me throwing the marks off, or possibly the distributor is heading south, but this is one of the last runnablilty problems left and it is a frustrating one.

I did set the timing with the advance unhooked and the line plugged. 

Thanks

[VileZambonie]

Just get rid of the ESC distributor. Verify your timing marks are TDC and set your initial timing at 10° with the vac advance unplugged. Make sure you have the correct spark plug heat range. Is your EGR working? Might be time to decarbonize the top end too.

Here's an inexpensive distributor

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Red-350-SBC-BBC-HEI-DISTRIBUTOR-65K-Coil-ready-to-run_W0QQitemZ220361566131QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item220361566131&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318