I'm learning and work with setting timming on my BB , now if i wanted to install the HEI distrb.
would it be ideal to set the timming mark at say 16 degs btdc, and then drop in the distrb. or would i want to drop it in when the timming mark is dead on 0 then set my timming to 16deg. btdc
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Yes Robert, drop distributor in with rotor pointing at #1 with #1 piston at TDC. View slot oil pump shaft and turn dist so rotor points close to #1 and should slip right in. If backfires pull dist. out and start over. Amazing how people have trouble with this install. Pay attention to detail and you will get it right the first time! Goodluck! :cool:

Robert,

I like to do it with the engine stopped on the amount of initial advance you're looking for, say 16 degrees like you said. Make sure it's on the compression stroke for #1, stop it at 16 degrees btdc and drop the distributor in with the rotor pointing towards #1 on the cap. Before locking it down you can even remove the #1 plug, attach the plug wire to it and ground the electrode on the block or head. Turn the ignition key "on" (not to crank!)and slowly advance the distributor until the plug fires. You may have to actually rotate the distributor clockwise some and then slowly turn it counter-clockwise until the spark happens. Lock it down and it will be right where you want it. Double-check with a timing light after firing the engine.

Jody