Hello Everyone, I have looked on the internet and still have not found an answer to my question. I will try and explane the best I can. I have a 78 Ford LTD Wagon with the 400CI Motor(not the original M motor it came with) I changed it up a little to off all the smog stuff an changed the intake and add 4bl carb. It runs really nice I set the distributor just before number 1 at top dead center. runs nice just needs the timing tweeked a little. Here is the question how would one time an engine when your not sure what the degree should be at. or how many degree retarted or advanced. The label is missing under the hood so I cant even use that as a starting point. I hope I made since thanks for all the help in advance.
I have a 78 Thunderbird with the 351M, which is the same basic engine as the 400. The specs call for 12 degrees before top dead centre. I usually run just a hair more advance than that. In idle, you advance the timing until the idle is as fast as it goes with that adjustment, then bring it back until the vacuum advance plenum in about 1/4 icn off the rad hose. Ish. Then test drive and tweek from there.
Make sure you remove the vacuum advance hose from the distributor and plug it before you set the timing.
