Got questions?
We’ve got the answers—the Summit Racing tech department tackles your automotive-related conundrums. This week, we’re taking on electrical gremlins and traction problems.
Q: I own a second-gen. Chevelle with a moderately built small block and a four-speed. Recently, I installed a MSD Billet distributor, 6A ignition box, and coil. When I try to time the engine, I keep getting shocked. I tried new MSD 8.5mm wires and it still happens. The car runs great (no misfires), so I can’t figure out what is wrong.
Also, I have a bad, window rattling wheelhop. I had new polyurethane bushings installed on the 12-bolt rear-end. That helped the handling, but not the hop. Is there a ladder bar or traction bar I can use that won’t interfere with the exhaust system? I’d prefer a bolt-on.
Finally, the driver side motor mount bolts keep coming loose. I’ve tried ARP bolts and all sorts of threadlockers and sealants with no luck. Could this be related to the wheelhop problem?
K.M.
A: Let’s start with your shocking problem. This first thing we would check is your timing light. Try a different one and see if you get shocked. If you do, the only alternative is to change one piece of your ignition system at a time until you find the cause.
Your wheelhop problem is very common on Chevelles. A ladder bar setup will cure the problem, but we can’t say for sure if it would interfere with your exhaust system or not. A weld-on ladder bar is best, but a bolt-on ladder bar will work. We think you’ll find that once you cure the wheelhop problem, your motor mount bolt problem will go away as well.
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