305 TBI timing ?

[87swb]

i know you need a timing light but is there any trick to timing a 305 TBI or any SBC V8 without using a timing light. could you eyeball the distributor and tell it's in the right spot. i accidentally knocked my distributor around  

[roundedline]

Your gonna need a timing light to do it right...

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

[87swb]

oh ok, just makin sure. my truck still cranks and runs but i know its off, it's pings some when i drive it and doesn't seem to have as much power, it's startin' to bother me.  

[Stewart G Griffin]

Speaking of timing, how would you time a stock 305 (mine is carbed not tbi)

Should i just get the mark at 0 degrees with the vacuum unpluged?

[roundedline]

I would start it at 10 degrees initial with the vacuum unhooked to set it.

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

[Lt.Del]

If you don't have a timing light to use right now and your engine is rattling under load, turn your distributor clockwise just a tad (retard timing).  Do this just a tiny bit at a time 'til it goes away.  If you go too far, well, it will be too retarded---that doesn't sound right for an inanimate object.  

SgtDel
aka "Andy"

www.delbridge.net

1979 Big 10 383 stroker
1991 Blu 'Burb 3/4 ton 4x4