Hey guys, I need some help here... I'm looking to adjust my timing, only I've never done it before. I have a timing light, I understand the theory behind it, but I've never done it. Could someone give me a basic walk-through? I just want to be sure that I do it he right way... :clonk:

Tools you'll need:

Timing light, Vacuum gauge - if available, 9/16" wrench (stock size), chaulk or light paint (a white touch-up bottle from auto parts store works great)
To set it;
1.) engine OFF
2.) open hood
3.) locate the #1 cylinder plug wire - this is the first cylinder on the Drivers side of the engine
4.) depending on your type of light, the adapter may hook to the plug wire at the spark plug end or the distributor end of the wire OR if it is a modern inductive, type you can just clip the pick-up to the #1 plug wire.
5.) hook the timing light to the necessary voltage source
6.) take a rag and wipe off the timing marks on the timing tab on the front cover (now is a good time to kinda study these to see which way you'll need to go to advance/retard timing ) and the reference timing groove on the crankshaft damper so you can see them through all the grease and dirt if any - chaulking or painting the groove with a light color ( white ) is a good idea to make the marks stand out.
7.) make sure ALL wires are clear of the fan, belts and other moving parts in the engine bay
8.) if you have a vacuum gauge, remove a maniflod source hose and hook the gauge to this port (these ports are usually at the base of carb or on manifold behind carb.)
9.) take a 9/16" wrench and slightly loosen the distributor hold-down bolt located at the base of the distributor on the clamp that holds the distributor to the intake manifold - note: you just want it loose enough to be able to rotate the distributor to adjust timing.
10.) disconnect the hose to the distributor vacuum advance canister and plug (with a screw if notheing else) the end of the hose you removed
11.) recheck that everything is clear of rotating parts around the engine!
12.) start engine and allow to idle point the timing light towards the timing tab on the front cover - it should 'strobe' in time with the firing of the #1 plug
13.) either reach carefully over the engine or have someone else assist you to do this - rotate the distributor slightly to see which way the timing moves on the tab (Caution - watch out for all the spinning thingys on the engine! make sure to keep the cords, the light and YOURSELF way clear of all these things! )
14.) rotate the distributor until the marks line up at the desired timing mark and/or until you see the vacuum gauge has is near its highest readings
15.) tighten the 9/16" bolt to lock down distributor
16.) recheck you timing
17.) shut off engine
18.) remove all the wires
19.) reinstall the vacuum hose on the distributor vacuum advance
20.) disconnect the vacuum gauge if you used one and reinstall the vacuum line you removed
Now go test drive the car and see if the engine performs correctly

Perf motors typically like 12-16* vacuum advance, but it varies.

Thanks! I've got my weekend project now, ill let you know how i make out!

Great instructions Doug!

Mike

Just a quick note. If your using the inductive type timing light, make sure your spark plug wire is in the cutout of the clamp and the clamp is completely closed. A lot of guys clip the clamp to the wire and it will not work. Then follow Dougs list.