Timing issues

[451CudaFastback]

I have stroked 400 that I am trying to check timing.
First off on passenger side there is no timing tab,The other thing if I turn the distributor counter clockwise my idle raises and is smoother If I go clockwise, the rpms drop and motor starts to rattle.
I bought a timing tab but can't see we're I could even mount it.
Im a rookie trying to learn

 

[Kern Dog]

More information will be needed to help. You list a "stroked 400" but that still leaves things wide open. If the engine has been taken apart and put back together with an assortment of non stock parts, only God knows where Top Dead Center is...
No timing tab? That makes it impossible to accurately set the timing. In a 400 whether stock or modified, turning the distributor clockwise advances the timing, CCW will retard the timing.
You need to find a timing tab and install it. Maybe contact a machine shop for a free one from a dead engine or contact Mancini Racing.

 

[bOb shingler]

you need tdc stop to screw into the #1 plug hole. now turn motor by hand and mark both places the timing mark on the damper stops at. the tdc will be exactly half way between the 2 marks. install timng tab with the "0" at this mark.

 

[451CudaFastback]

More information will be needed to help. You list a "stroked 400" but that still leaves things wide open. If the engine has been taken apart and put back together with an assortment of non stock parts, only God knows where Top Dead Center is...
No timing tab? That makes it impossible to accurately set the timing. In a 400 whether stock or modified, turning the distributor clockwise advances the timing, CCW will retard the timing.
You need to find a timing tab and install it. Maybe contact a machine shop for a free one from a dead engine or contact Mancini Racing.

It's a 400 low deck with turned down mains
All forged 10:1 compression
Edelbrock Rpm heads
3500 stall
Hughes custom cam 246 intake/252 exhaust
Lobe at 110
Can I see pics of we're you mounted your timing tabs?
I purchased one but can't seem to find a mounting point

 

[Kern Dog]

My point was that a 400 may have a different timing tab if it has a "stroker"crank with a different harmonic dampner that may or may not have the timing TDC mark in the correct position.
A "stroker"is an engine with a crankshaft not original to the engine block being used; it is one either off the shelf or custom. It can be of a longer or shorter stroke. A non stock crankshaft may use a dampner with the TDC mark someplace other than stock.

 

[AJ/FormS]

If you have the bolt-on kind
It attaches on the passenger side,EDITED on two of the side bolts that hold the timing cover on. And after it is installed, you will have to synchronize the tab to the balancer(or vice-versa) as already mentioned. If you put the #1 Piston at or near TDC on the compression stroke, you will see the index mark on the balancer somewhere. That is the target location for the tab you purchased. #1 cylinder is the one closest to the rad
Google BB chain cover images.
Chrysler BB chain cover - Google Search

What concerns me is how in the world the original installer got the mighty 451 running in the first place, never mind tuned,lol.

I don't want to sound mean,"rookie", But it looks like you are in over your head. If there is no one in your neighborhood to teach you this stuff, then it's gonna be a bit of a slog. Everything you could ever want to know is right here on FABO. There are many,many,very knowledgeable guys here to help you. It will just take time. So dig in for the long haul.

 

[famous bob]

If you have the bolt-on kind
It attaches on the passenger side,EDITED on two of the side bolts that hold the timing cover on. And after it is installed, you will have to synchronize the tab to the balancer(or vice-versa) as already mentioned. If you put the #1 Piston at or near TDC on the compression stroke, you will see the index mark on the balancer somewhere. That is the target location for the tab you purchased. #1 cylinder is the one closest to the rad
Google BB chain cover images.
Chrysler BB chain cover - Google Search

What concerns me is how in the world the original installer got the mighty 451 running in the first place, never mind tuned,lol.

I don't want to sound mean,"rookie", But it looks like you are in over your head. If there is no one in your neighborhood to teach you this stuff, then it's gonna be a bit of a slog. Everything you could ever want to know is right here on FABO. There are many,many,very knowledgeable guys here to help you. It will just take time. So dig in for the long haul.

try a stock timing cover for a 400. my 440/505 has the timing tab built on the timing cover, assuming a stock 400 would too.

 

[68dodge]

If you find your top dead center, mark a line with paint. Find someone with a adjustable timing light. You will be able to set your timing off that mark.