[Amc-list] engine issues small block AMC

["Armand Eshleman" <aje1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

What do you think??
  I took the plugs out of the white Javelin's 304 yesterday (block has never been out of the car, reground valves at approximately 90k miles, now has approximately 110k) to hose down the cylinders with Sea Foam for winter storage. All plugs (25 year old Champion N12Y) looked very clean, white porcelain, slightly gray white ground electrodes with a thin whitish deposit on them. Virtually no deposit on the little round center electrode. The cylinders must still be sealed pretty well, and the carburetor must be delivering the correct amount of fuel. Last drive of the car was to full operating temperature and at least 20 miles at 2000 rpm in 5th gear. I have been wanting to do a cylinder leak down check to verify for sure what's going on with the engine. Seems to have a lack of high end power and labors trying to rev up to or rev past 4000 or 4500 in most gears.  Is it the crappy 91 octane no lead??
  Timing is near spec, 5 degress before. Don't know what timing is at 4000 rpm, it's not setup with a readable timing mark to use at higher rpm, which is another thing I've been contemplating doing. Establishing timing marks at the ignition fully advanced points on the vibration dampener to see if the timing is stable and correct. The Mallory dual point doesn't have vacumn advance, just mechanical. I may still be experiencing spark 

  I'm thinking I have either valve spring weakness issues or that and worn cam lobes, lifters dished troubles. What do you think?

  Back in the middle 70s when I was braver the car used to top out at nearly 115 to 120 mph. Now if I see 90 or 100 I'm lucky.  It should go faster yet because of the .63 overdrive 5th gear.  
  And Mark don't say something like it's because you've no longer got any balls. ROFL

  What plug do you guys use to replace the Champion N12Y which is no longer available, iirc.

  Thanks,

  Armand
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