[Aaron]

I have question as to the best way to set up the initial timing. I understand that you get the #1 piston on the compression stroke and turn the motor to the TDC spot on the balancer then drop in the distributor. Some people before dropping in the distributor turn the balancer to somewhere between 10 and 12 on balancer.

Question: Which is better? This has me somewhat confused. Will turning the initial timing to 12 before dropping the distributor in allow the distributor to have more turning radius for timing? I know that may sound dumb, so I do not know if I wording that correct.

 

[72 Orange]

Well, you want to install the dizzy so that the rotor points to number spark plug wire once the cap is installed. You could leave the balancer at zero degrees, it probably will start, but the car will start easier if it is closer to the timing it likes to start at. Which on most SBC's is around 10* or 12*.

In another words, either way will work.

 

[136679ss]

It is an easier way to get initial startup, but how hard is it to spin the distributor a few degrees after it's seated anyway. As stated above either way works, it's all about what pattern your used to doing it in. MY .02 Jason.

 

[gcowley]

just my humble opinion ,,im no pro .. when installing the distributor of course compresion stroke but i set up to where i know im going to be a little advanced then back down then to be retarded and come up ,, if ya know what im saying just get close and have the timing light ready as soon as she starts check it ,, just seems to me they will start easier if your more advanced then behind on the timing ..