idling problems
 

well as a first timer to the z owner club i am fairly new to most problems. I am findings fixes to most all through piddling and playing. But the one i canot grasp is why my '78 280 will not idle. It will start as long as you give it consatnt gas, while it pops and misfires, but as soon as you take foot off the gas she dies. I've checked fuel/air filter, air mass meter, plugs wires, can't get a good timing check because it won't idle..Any helpful hints would be appreciated.

Check your distributor for radial play in the shaft. Make sure the advance plate advances and returns. Check your vacuum unit to see that it moves the plate and holds vacuum. You will need a vacuum tester for this.