I just bought a ProComp HEI distributor off ebay. Can someone verify whether this is the correct method for timing. I've never timed a vehicle (duraspark or other):

1) Get engine to TDC...I know how to do this. Maybe a few degrees short of TDC so that when I have to rotate the engine a little bit to get the gears to line up, it will go to TDC.

2) Take distributor, and mark on the metal base where the #1 plug is.

3) Remove cap, rotate distributor rotor so that metal tang lines up with the #1 plug mark that I made on the base of the distributor.

4) Install distributor, being careful not to move rotor/shaft away from the #1 plug.

5) Install cap.

6) Start engine, and rotate housing to achieve timing.

So, correct me if the above is wrong. Also, a few questions:

- Where do I want the timing light once engine has started? 8 degrees BTDC?

- Don't I have to secure the distributor to the block somehow to prevent it from rotating? I'm rebuilding the engine without seeing how it was originally set up.

- How do I wire up the HEI distributor? Do I really just abandon the module on the fenderwall, and run a switched +12V line to the terminal? Any suggestions on which line to pick up? Do I do anything with the abandoned 4 wires from the OEM spark set up?

Thanks in advance!

-James

 

Make sure you're at TDC on the compression stroke or you'll be 180 deg out.

Any post on the dist can be #1 but on most Ford V8s the #1 spark plug is at or near 1:00 when installed.

When you're ready to stab the dist position the rotor a little behind the #1 postition. The helical cut of the gears will turn it slightly as you drop it in.

Make sure you have plenty of room to turn the dist to time it. The vac advance housing should be approximately in the middle of it's travel when you drop it in.

Once you have the dist gear/cam gear engaged partially then you can turn the engine a little to line up the oil pump driveshaft. You shouldn't have to turn it very far and it should drop right in.

On an HEI setup you can abandon the coil as well as the ignition module. You might want to check with the manufacturer to get some information about suggested wiring for specific installations.

The distributor is secured to the block by a clamp which bolts to the engine block. You should loosen it just enough to allow the dist to turn but not so loose as to allow the engine vibration to move the dist by itself.

Start with 12 deg initial and see how it runs.