So correct me if I am wrong here. If I wanted 30°(ex) of initial timing I would turn engine by hand and line the timing mark up to 30° btdc on #1 cylinder. Then install distributor with rotor pointing directly to #1 on the cap. Is this correct?
So correct me if I am wrong here. If I wanted 30°(ex) of initial timing I would turn engine by hand and line the timing mark up to 30° btdc on #1 cylinder. Then install distributor with rotor pointing directly to #1 on the cap. Is this correct?
It is "not quite" correct
The rotor only selects the cylinder, it does not "set" the timing.
If you are running points, once you get the rotor "on" the no1 cylinder, move the distributor retarded, then advance until the points open. Use a test lamp, etc
If you are running breakerless, set the distributor so the reluctor is in the center of the core. This is not 100% accurate
Once you "get the hang" of this you can actually turn on the ignition power, move the dist "retarded" and then "move" it towards advanced until you generate a spark. Do this back and forth several times, trying to slow down rotating your distributor, and stop the rotation right at the spark point. With practice, you can get this within a few degrees
ALSO you can set initial timing "on the starter" while cranking
Agree, I learned this the hard way, glowing red headers, skeered me LOLIf you set the crank at 40* BTDC and turn the rotor so you have taken up the advance, and line up the rotor with the number 1 post, that's exactly (or pretty dam close) where it should be.
OP, it needs at the very minimum the total timing on it you think it will run at. I never, ever start a fresh engine with OE geometry with less than 40 on it. They start better and don't generate a bunch of heat in the exhaust.
No, but it is good for initial start-up and break-in, depending on the head chambers and compression it could be anywhere from 31 to 36,...it usually falls around 34........So I should set timing mark to 40° then force the dist advance forward while setting the dist. Is 40° total generally ok for a mild 340?
Fuel wont be a problem. Electric pump with MSD EFI.