I just swapped the intake gaskets on my 454 and canoot get my distributor lined up at TDC again. can anyone tell me the best way to find TDC? I tried the papertowel in the #1 cilinder and it seemed the paper would blow out twice before TDC.
thanx
Justin

I also tried pulling the valve cover, but both valves seemed close each time the TDC mark would come around.

Thats what you want, top dead center is the top of travel on the compression stroke, right before the plug fires, so it souds like you found your TDC, you just didnt realize it. if you are unsure of your timing marks on your balancer you can buy a handy tool at parts stores. It screws into your head like a plug, but is solid on the bottom. You then turn the motor over WITH A SOCKET ON THE CRANK BOLT slowly until the piston hits the stopper, and you make a mark on the balancer, then you turn the crank the other way until the piston hits the stop again, and you make another mark. Then midway between those two marks it TDC. Mat ACES #2424

There's a couple of ways to do this. One is with the valve cover off, rotate engine until intake opens and closes then line up timing marks. Second is stick your finger in the plug hole(it won't bite) and bump motor over with a remote starting button(someone to turn key works too) till it blows past your finger, rotate until marks line up, it should'nt have to move far.

ok nevermind im just a moron. I had it a top dead center. I forgot to hook up the vacume line to the TH350 so it ran weird and wouldnt Idle. thanx anyway for your help.

Justin Mciver