How do you time a 1979 Pontiac trans am 301?

Answer 1

Fist of all I would like to state: BE CAREFUL WHEN WORKING ON A RUNNING ENGINE! HOT OR MOVING PARTS SUCH AS THE FAN, BELTS, ETC CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY, BURNS OR DEATH! Find the tdc (top dead center) line on the harmonic balancer or "crank hub". Mark it with white paint or chalk (this will make it easier to see). Find out the inital timing required for your engine. Mark the timing tab (pass side front of the engine near crank hub) at the specified number(for example 6 deg before tdc) with white paint or chalk. Loosen distributor hold down bolt. Disconnect and plug vaccum line to the distributor. Hook up timing light to #1 or #6 spark plug wire (It does not matter which, AS LONG AS IT IS #1 or #6 NOT ANY OTHER PLUG WIRE) run engine at idle point timing light at timing marks. Turn distributor until white marks line up. Remember to reconnect the vaccum line and retitghten distributor hold down after setting the inital timing.