Timing

[chado31]

I am putting my 331 together and want to know how to get the timming set pretty close for start up, Its a new intake so I have no marks to line up on the distributor. I have the timing cover off, Number 1 at TDC and the timing marks lined up. Do I just drop in the distributor with the rotor pointed at number one??? One other thing what thermostat should I run, a 180 sound good???

 

[ryclef331]

180 is perfect.

As for timing, I line the balancer up whatever timing you want (12 degrees for me) with the pointer (provided you KNOW the balancer is accurate). Then just drop the distibutor in pointed at the number one plug terminal. You have to MAKE SURE that you're on the compression stroke and not the exhaust. If you still have the valve covers off, make sure both the intake and exhaust rockers are level (i.e. the valves are closed). If you do that, your timing will be spot on within one or two degrees off the bat. Obviously verify it with a timing light once its fired up.

 

[chado31]

Thanks alot for your help.