273 cam & crank timing marks, confussed

With the cam at 6 and the crank at 12 the engine will be at #6 firing not #1. There is nothing to change. The way you have it now (12 & 12) is the same as (6 & 12) the only difference is there is one crank (360 degrees)revolution difference.

If you rotate the crank 360 degrees and re-install the distributor the motor will not start because the distributor will be 180 degrees off. You can't force a firing order just by changing the distributor location. The firing order is a product of the camshaft arrangement.


The 273 is not known for very much bottom end power, especially if it has a large cam. Advancing the cam 2 or 4 degrees may give you some more bottom end power. You should check the cam with a degree wheel to see were it is now.


Chuck