it should be 4 degrees before btc
A 1976 Chevy did not have a points ignition, but that has nothing to do with the correct timing. You will find that the engine runs best with about 8-12 degrees BTDC.
12B
The power of the engine and the maximum speed of the 1976 Dodge Coronet Wagon Automatic are 260 hp and 90 mph respectively.
The power of the engine and the maximum speed of the 1976 Dodge Aspen RT are 140 horsepower and 86.1 miles per hour respectively.
The timing should be around 6-8 Degrees advanced.
8.00 r16.5 lt
The Dodge Polara Diesel Perkins ceased production in 1973 so there it is not possible to provide information about the technical data of the engine or the maximum speed for the year 1976.
Sounds like the timing is off or you have the plug wires connected wrong. Click the link I will post.
12 degrees BTDC with the automatic transmission ( unless the engine compartment decal shows different )
The marked # 1 position on the distributor cap faces to the FRONT and center of the engine
The timing marks should be on the balancer and the timing cover. If they are not there, someone removed the window marks.The timing marks should be on the balancer and the timing cover. If they are not there, someone removed the window marks.
Did a lot of timing chain jobs on the Pontiacs back in the day, don't remember any of them bending valves.