I'm having a problem setting the timing on my firebird.I have a points distributor the only problem is when I turn the distributor to set the timing it can't turn any further because of the vacuum actuator on the distributor.It keeps getting caught up on the intake manifold.I have also set it to top dead center to see if maybe it was off,and it wasn't it was right on the money.I need to set it to 9 DBTDC, I cant even come close.Anyone else have this problem?If so any help would be greatly appreciated.Plus I'm dying to drive it but can't because of the timing.

You need to pull the dist. up a little bit, enough to turn the rotor one tooth in the opposite direction of your intake and then drop it back in. Then you should be able to spin it far enough to get your timing right. Good luck.

Robert

Oh I forgot it is a 350 if that matters any.

That won't throw the timing out of wack will it?

thats such a simple problem to solve.just move the wires forward one tower and retard your distributer till you get the proper timing.if you need further assistence you can call me at-954-721-1459.i can walk you through it over the phone.

Are you saying move each spark plug wire over one spot then set the timing?Do I move them over clockwise or counter clockwise.Or just move them over one spot the direction the rotor turns?Sorry to be such a pain.I don't think I need you to walk me through it over the phone as long as I know the answer to these ?'s. Thanks for the help.

Move them one spot counter-clockwise.

Q

D'OH! The distributor rotates counter-clockwise! Move them CLOSKWISE! Geez! :rolleyes:

Q

you got it now quenton..forward=clockwise

Thanks for all your help guys it runs like a champ.

Firebob had the right answer, pull the distributor and move it a tooth. It will have zero affect on timing since rotor should face the same plug. You will need to move the oil pump shaft a little with a long screwdriver to re-align with the drive on bottom of dist.