Timing for a 1978 chevy?

Question

i have a 350 that i just installed and the timing i think is a lil off and i need to know how to time the engine because it doesnt have a timing bar on the engine to use a light.... so is there a way to get the timing right?

Answer 1

http://msxml.excite.com/info.xcite/searc...

Answer 2

yep you probably have one with a probe, so pull # spark plug pull the distributor bump the starter until it points to #1 plug on compression stroke make sure the rotor is dead center of the # 1 cap on the distributor, then mark the crank pulley where the crank key way is and mark it white be sure the piston is at top dead center mark the distributor this will be your 0 mark put everything back together and turn the distributor clockwise to advance, install a tach on the car, if carburetor turn the adjustment screws all the way in then back out 2 1/2 turns start the car with a tach installed and turn the distributor clockwise until you reach 650 rpm for a automatic 550 for a standard transmission, you will now be set if it pings turn the distributor to advance it (clockwise) to stop it pinging then tighten down nut and test drive, should have good power and you should be within a couple of degrees of timing, you could buy a timing cover that has a pointer on it at a junk yard or a new chrome one with a timing pointer.  

Answer 3

The most accurate way would be to replace the timing gear cover for the motor you have. When you get a new timing cover from Chevrolet for your particular motor it'll have a new timing tab. Make sure the timing cover is for that particular engine. Reason being some dampener pulleys are different diameters. It's important the timing tab is as close to the dampener as possible.

Answer 4

Old strip drag trick: in the event that the timing marks are damaged or missing. Use a vacuum gauge, with the vacuum advance disconnected at the distributor, move the distributor to obtain the highest vacuum level at idle then back it off (r****d) the timing just a pinch - lock it down and reconnect vacuum advance line, and test drive listening for spark knock under heavy acceleration - if spark knock occurs back it off a touch at a time until knock is gone under heavy acceleration.  Once satisfied with the timing readjust the idle speed to about 550 rpm. Have fun it will most likely take several tries to get it just right but it will work!