How do you set the timing on a 1973 Volkswagen super beetle?

Answer 1

You first have to set the valves, check the spark plug gap on all four cylinders (0.028"), and set the points. Use a dwell meter to do this; the "official VW specification" is 50 degrees of dwell plus/minus 2 degrees. Once you've done this, start the car and drive it five miles.

Timing at idle is officially 5 degrees after TDC. Hook up your timing light. If you have an original crank pulley, there's a notch in it. Put a little white paint on that notch. Start the engine, loosen the distributor clamp a little, aim the timing light at the pulley, pull the trigger, and rotate the distributor until the notch is aligned with the seam between the two case halves. Then tighten the distributor and adjust idle to 1500 rpm.