How do you adjust the timing on a big block Chevy?

Answer 1

At the base of the distributor, there is a tab that hold it down. Loosen the bolt, slightly, so the distributor turns, with a fair amount of effort. Clock wise retards the timinmg, counter, advances. If there is a black rubber vaccuum hose running into a silvercanister, on the distributor, pull it off, and plug it with a pencil, at the distributor. This is the vaccuum advance, and will register a false reading if active. From the drivers side, look down at the harmonic balancer. This is the part that the bottom crankshaft pully bolts to. You will see a groove accross the surface, somewhere. Mark this with chalk, or white paint. Sticking out of the timing cover, below the water pump, you will see a tab sticking out. Wipe it clean, and you will see numbers on it. In the middle you will see a 0. Above the 0, you will see number 2, then 4. This is advanced, or BTDC. (Before top dead center) All engines have to have some advance in them to run properly. Now Chevy made a whole slew of different big blocks, with as many different cams. So, the timing is a variable, but, I would recommend all the advance possible, for best performance, on available pump gas. I would start at 4 degrees advanced, and keep advancing it until it pings on acceleration. You will need a timing light to set the timing, properly. When you hook it up, shine the strobe down at the timing tab, and turn the distributor until the white mark on the balancer, lines up with the 4 degrees mark on the tab. Tighten the distributor, and reconnect the vaccuum hose.