72 360 first start question

Here is what you do.

1... Use a piston stop to CONFIRM TDC if you have not.

2...Look at your cam specs. Intake opens 29 BTDC. you can easily mark the dampener out that far, ................and it should be anyway, and CHECK that cam event

Exhaust closes at 21 ATDC. You can easily measure and mark that off on your balancer and check THAT event.

Be aware, when doing this, of hydraulic lifter collapse!!

3....Install the distributor. DO NOT set the marks at TDC, rather set them where you want initial timing, perhaps 15 BTDC. With the rotor "approaching" the no1 plug tower going CW, set the reluctor in the center of the pickup coil.

4....Put the cap and wires together, hook up your timing light, and set the timing 15 or more ON THE STARTER.

5...Then....put a little fuel down the carb and fire the engine.