Distributor Install for first start. Double check my work!
I know, I know, another distributor question... I just need some feedback on if I have mine set correctly for a quick first start.
In the past I have always dropped distributors in on TDC of compression stroke, balancer at 0°, point rotor to #1, and never had an issue. BUT this is my first time building a motor, and first time breaking in a cam and I want it to go smoothly.
Motor is a basic/budget built ‘74 LA 318. Bored .40 over, mild head work, Comp XE262 cam, Edelbrock performer intake, Holley 600, and factory ignition system. I have verified the balancer 0° mark is accurate.
What I’ve done is rotate the engine to TDC of the compression stroke on #1, turned the balancer BACK to 20° BEFORE TDC, then installed the intergear and distributor pointing towards #1 cylinder. A reluctor tooth is aligned with the pickup, and the rotor is underneath the #1 tower.
Does this sound suitable for a first start and cam break in? Timing will be adjusted after I get it running, fuel system will be primed, and I will be using a good Lucas break in oil and following the 2000rpm for 20+ Min break in procedure. Please let me know if any of this sounds way off, and I apologize for a newbie question, ignition timing has just always been a weakness for me even though I’ve always had good luck in the past dropping distributors in on TDC. Breaking in the motor is weighing on my mind as the day gets closer!
Thanks fellas
I know, I know, another distributor question... I just need some feedback on if I have mine set correctly for a quick first start.
In the past I have always dropped distributors in on TDC of compression stroke, balancer at 0°, point rotor to #1, and never had an issue. BUT this is my first time building a motor, and first time breaking in a cam and I want it to go smoothly.
Motor is a basic/budget built ‘74 LA 318. Bored .40 over, mild head work, Comp XE262 cam, Edelbrock performer intake, Holley 600, and factory ignition system. I have verified the balancer 0° mark is accurate.
What I’ve done is rotate the engine to TDC of the compression stroke on #1, turned the balancer BACK to 20° BEFORE TDC, then installed the intergear and distributor pointing towards #1 cylinder. A reluctor tooth is aligned with the pickup, and the rotor is underneath the #1 tower.
Does this sound suitable for a first start and cam break in? Timing will be adjusted after I get it running, fuel system will be primed, and I will be using a good Lucas break in oil and following the 2000rpm for 20+ Min break in procedure. Please let me know if any of this sounds way off, and I apologize for a newbie question, ignition timing has just always been a weakness for me even though I’ve always had good luck in the past dropping distributors in on TDC. Breaking in the motor is weighing on my mind as the day gets closer!
Thanks fellas
