To check timing
1--- Remove no 1 plug
2---Stick your finger in the hole, l and bump the starter by jumpering across the starter relay or using a remote start button. As soon as you feel compression on your finger, stop. You may have to "go around" a couple of times to get the "feel" for this
3---As soon as you feel compression, look for the marks which should be coming "up." Use a socket on the front bolt, and rotate the engine NOT to TDC, but rather, where you want the timing to be, say, 15* BTC. This depends on your cam. A stocker might light 10-12, a little performance cam 12-15, and a bigger one as much a 20*
4--- Pull the no1 wire out of the cap so you know which hole, and mark under the no1 cap tower onto the distributor housing, pencil, etc. and pull the cap. The rotor should be pointing to that tower or pretty close
4---Rotate the dist. RETARD, that's cw on a small block and ccw on a big block. This will get the "slack" out of the drive and mechanism.
5---Slowly bring the dist. back ADVANCED, CCW for a SB, and CW for a B/RB, until the points just open (if points) or if breakerless, until the reluctor tip is centered in the pickup coil core. At this time your mark for the no1 tower should be lined up with the rotor
This should be close enough to start and run.
Also, some cars, with the battery UP and a good starter, and agood timing light, you can actually TIME the car ON THE STARTER
