Anyone want to go step by step for setting the timing on a sbc 350 (86 block) with HEI.

I haven't removed the distrib. or anything. Just new plugs, cap & rotor. I have never set timing before.

Thanks

I'll take a stab at it.

1. Mark the timing tab on the block with white or yellow crayon or paint if available at 0º on the tab. Mark the groove in the dampner as well. You'll need the bright color to see with the timing light.

2. Connect timing light to battery and clip on #1 plug wire and ensure wires to battery don't get hung up around the fan.

3. Loosen distributor just enough so you can turn it but it's still snug. It's a feel thing. ;) Many times a 9/16" open/box wrench will do the job but a distributor wrench is easiest. This one from Sears goes for $10. A good investment for any toolbox. Be sure to get the 9/16" and not the 1/2" unless you also work on Fords and MoPars.
http://www.sears.com/data/product_images/tools/standard/00947683000-dv.jpg

4. Remove vacuum advance line from the distributor and plug the rubber line with something like a golf tee or small machine screw.

5. Determine what the initial advance timing is suppose to be and at what RPM for your engine. These vary from engine to engine but there should be a sticker on the radiator brace or air cleaner showing the initial timing...something like 6º or 10º before top dead center (TDC). Note where this reading is on the timing tab in relation to the white or yellow mark you made at top dead center (TDC). Most tabs have grooves every 2º going towards the top, before TDC and the bottom, after TDC.

6. Start the engine and point the timing light at the timing tab. You should see the mark on the tab and every time the timinig light flashes (#1 plug fires), you should see the corresponding mark on the balancer. You want to align the balancer with the correct amount of timing noted earlier on the timing tab.

7. If the timing needs to be adjusted, carefully turn the distributor every so slightly and watch the mark on the balancer move. If you have a 0-1000 or 0-2000 tachometer, now is the time to check the RPMs and adjust as necessary. When they are aligned at the proper RPM, turn the engine off and snug down the distributor. Double check to ensure timing has not moved while tightening the distributor. Reattach vacuum line and you should be all set. After attaching the vacuum line, your RPM should go up a bit and your timing should advance a bit as well.

The front end has been dissassembled and reassembled, hence no stickers anywhere. The motor is not original.

86 sbc 350, it has been decked and has aluminum intake, HEI and a lopey cam. 700R4 trany same year.

I am dealing with carb issues, buy suspect I may need to tweak the timing.

Thanks for the tips, but what is a general timing starting point, 6 degrees?

if it's an 86 distributor don't remove the vacuum advance hose - j/k smile.gif

Well written dale, how do you do the " º " thingy ?

Well writen Dale, Anyone who couldn`t follow those instructions,Shouldn`t be working on there car.

By the way ,how long have you lived in Lawton?
I have lots of relation there,(curtsingers)I visit several times a year. Use to show in ISCA shows at the fairgrounds (Bill Moler Shows).

Have a nice day.

Troy,