can't seem to get the timing down on my car, when the car is running good, it sounds like it is just barely out of time, hook up the timing light and the mark on the balancer is almost pointing straight up, which makes it about 30 degrees BTDC. Toyed with the thing, turned the dist 180 because when the mark actually lined up where it should be, the rotor is pointed away from the no 1 sparkplug wire. what can i do? This in on a chevy 350 370HP, point ignition, 4bbl rochester.

Two choices to ensure its right.

1. Take cap off of dist, pull number one plug, put your finger over #1 plug hole and have someone bump the starter. When you feel pressure push your finger out of #1 cylinder stop. Rotate the mill by hand at the balancer bolt until you are at TDC on the balancer. Then, whatever terminal the rotor is pointing to will be where your number one plug wire should go. Then just follow the firing order around the cap.

2. (sounds like the dist was installed odd in the first place) would be to pull dist, remove #1 plug, place finger in cyclinder, have someone bump starter, bring mill to TDC on balancer and then drop in the dist ensuring that the rotor is pointing where it should be on the cap / #1 terminal. Then fire it up, adjust the timing as per your wishes and be on your way.

If that doesnt help do a search for "timing" on this board and youll get TONS of info.

------------------
'70 SS 396
4spd, 4.10's and a smile
TC# 1341
ACES# 05388
Beaux
The SS (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/btmyss.JPG)
The Rat (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/btmill.JPG)- Plans for a 496 in the works.
Interior (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/midint.JPG)

Life is a gateway drug that leads to Chevelle addiction.