timing is being a real b***h with me. i have a 72 small block 355 in my 4th gen monte. and i had her set at TDC on #1 and set the distributor to fire on #1. and she worked great. problem was i didnt tighten the distributor clamp down and it bounced out and screwed the timing again. now i re-set the whole thing at TDC again and it wont fire. if anyone could send me a link or something on a detailed instruction on timing my engine i'd be quite happy.

 

Is it backfiring out the carb? It could be 180* out. Set piston #1 at TDC and take off the Dist. Spin it 180* and reset it. Try that.

 

can i get some elaboration on that? i've heard two people say that could be the problem. but i dont fully understand how that would help. are you saying i should take off the cap and spin the rotor 180? if i did that wouldnt it be firing on 7 when it should be on 1? i've also heard i should set it at 8 degrees before TDC. and i've heard i should get it to fire on TDC and then dial in an 8 degree advance after i've got it running. IDK i've never timed an engine before and my dads not around to help anymore

 

pull the whole distributor out. make sure #1 is TDC on compression not exhaust. set the rotor up and set your timing with a light at 8*. when you put the distributor shaft back in make sure the rotor is right at #1 on the cap.

 

are you saying to set timing with a timing light at 8* after i get it running?
or am i trying to put it at 8 degrees BTDC and then set the rotor right on #1?