I recently pulled the dizzy to change the intake manifold. Then, put my timing light on and it hits right on the marks @ 8 BTDC. But not close to trying to start, it backfires through the carbs and exhaust. Even though the timing marks show fine, is it possible that I'm 180 out? Could I be getting the spark at the top of the exhaust stroke rather than the intake stroke? Just thought I'd ask before I try it...........

Remove the number one spark plug, get the number one piston up TDC trace the number one plug wire back to Distributor, remove it if the rotor button is pointed at number one plug wire the engine is in time
River

I don't know if this will help, but I bought a targetmaster once from chevy and with the timing dots lined up on the gears my engine was 180 out also. I turned it around 180 and it works just fine. But MAN! it made a racket when I was first tried to start it when it was 180 out..............just my $.02 worth.............007

I don't know if this will help, but I bought a targetmaster once from chevy and with the timing dots lined up on the gears my engine was 180 out also. I turned it around 180 and it works just fine. But MAN! it made a racket when I was first tried to start it when it was 180 out..............just my $.02 worth.............007


With the dots lined up you will be 180 out, this is normal. Spin the engine 360 degrees with both dots straight up and it's TDC#1 for the distributor to drop in.

They have you line up the dots to verify cam timing, but not to be ready to drop the distributor in.

Jody

Just gotta make sure you're on the compression stroke at TDC, not just beginning the intake stroke. Pull valve cover on that side, first TDC after intake valve closes will be where you want to be.

Camcojb- thanks for that tidbit-o-info, I never knew that(shows how much I know about engines lol)............007

Thanks for all the directions guys. I'll get this son-of-a-gun goin, no problem. Had to pull out the dist to change the intake manifold (going from a 650 Edel to 2 450 Holleys on a crossram. It'll sound dumb as h**l but I think I'm 180 out. So, I'll move timing 180 and smile when this mother roars............