What's up guys? I was wondering whether or not to put a CD Ignition Box on my '69 Camaro's DZ302 that is pretty close to original stock. All parts on it are original or close to it except the 650cfm Holley Carb and the points distributor has been upgraded to the electronic style. I only consider it to improve smoother idle, low end power and starting so it would only be a mild one. The car runs good, but that 302 just wants to run best above 3000 rpms and tends to lag a bit when starting from a stop. Would one of these CD Ignition Boxes improve this? I priced Summit Racing's set up as well as MSD's but have never dealt with or messed with the car's power supply. I guess I have fallen back on: "If it's not broke, don't fix it!" type attitude with it, but it would be nice if I could have the car run smoother for under $200. I do not race the car or compete in burn-out contests. Just cruise to the local shows. Another obstacle I face is keeping the stock car looking stock and not have a box bolted in the engine bay. If I did get one, is there a good hiding spot for it? What do you think guys? Is it worth adding this upgrade on or should I just leave it alone? Let me know your thoughts or experiences. Thanks.

 

If the engine is not misfiring, a stronger ignition won't do much for it. You have an engine designed for high RPM operation and by nature it is going be relatively weak at low RPM and have a rough idle. You could try to optimize the carb tune and make sure you have there is no misfire. The best solution to pep things up coming off the line is to go to lower rear end gears and let the engine operate in its happy range.

 

I hear ya Z28pete. It doesn't like the low rpms much. Once in a while it will backfire when accelerating from a start, but mostly when it's cold. Maybe I will just try and fine tune the carb and see where that gets me first but was open for anything. The stock 3:73 gears are high enough for me already. It likes to growl around 3,000rpms at about 63mph! Not much room to work with when it's in 4th. I'll see if the carb or maybe even the timing can smooth it out more. Thanks for the opinion.

 

If your ignition was the problem, I would expect it to be crapping out at the high rpm's, not the low.
And it happens more when cold? Check your choke operation.
Another thing in addition to what was mentioned above. Since your engine has solid lifters, have you been keeping up with adjusting the lash? That's another thought since the valve lash closes somewhat when the engine gets hot.

 

It could be out of adjustment a bit as well. It's been a few seasons. Overall, I think the car runs exactly like the 302's are supposed to. All top end for circuit racing. I was just looking for a mild upgrade that could improve throttle response on the bottom end. I have no complaints above 2500 rpms at all, but I do not use that top end screamer to race or anything. Mainly just cruise to the local shows and cruise nights. Should I just fine tune and go through the adjustments and leave well enough alone then? Thanks.