[stevesch]

Hello,

I need to reset my timing on my 350. No matter how i move the distributor it still sounds like crap. How should i go about finding my TDC without taking my head off? Also are there different timing tabs for the sbc? I have heard there was and if so what do i need for my 73 sbc. There is no timing tab on the engine. So can some one tell me how they time there sbc?

Thanks!!!!

Steve

[DoubleVision]

for the year model SBC you have, the timing mark should be at the 2 o`clock position, since there is no mark, go to your local parts store and get a aftermarket chrome timing tab, it should run about $4.00 or so. Next step, install the tab and pop the distributor cap, have a buddy bump the engine over until it`s pointing at the number 1 wire terminal on the distributor cap, then pull the distributor out, then take out the number 1 spark plug which will be the first one on the drivers side, place your thumb over the spark plug hole lightly, and have your buddy bump the engine over until you feel the cylinder pressure against your thumb, find the timing mark on the harmonic balencer, and bump the engine over until the mark lines up with 12 degree`s before top dead center, if you overshoot the mark, you`ll have to do it over again until you can get it there on the compression stroke or the one that your thumb feels cylinder pressure. restab the distributor and again point the rotor at the number 1 spark plug wire terminal, when you drop the distributor, the trick is to get it to fall into the oil pump`s drive shaft, is why you start with the cap off and rotor already pointing at number 1, if it doesn`t fall into the oil pump drive shaft, then use a long screw driver and move it until you can stab the distributor in all the way. tighten the distributor back down, reconnect the cap and power wire, reinstall the spark plug, and fire the engine off.

[stevesch]

I will give it a try and let you know !!

Thanks a bunch!!

[stevesch]

OK! Here is what i have done so far...... I pulled all the plugs and bumped the engine over with the starter and got the distributor pointeng a plug #1. The rocker arms on cylinder #1 looks like they both are closed because i can move both arms with ease. The timing mark on the damper is under the water pump at 12 o-clock. If i bump it some more to say about 16 degree's one of the valves starts to bind and the roter starts to point to #8 cylinder. So does this mean i have the wrong damper on my engine or was the distributor put in wrong?
So should i set the timimg mark at 12 o-clock and rotor pointing at #1 plug and then set my ststic ignition timing? Should it run like this ok?

Thanks !!!
Please help!!!

[1BAD80]

You should put it at 10 or 12 degrees not 16.
You may be 180* off on timing.