TDC Made Easy Small-Block Chevy Timing & Distributor Setup
MARCEL VENABLE . April 30, 2025 . Department
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FINDING TOP DEAD CENTER AND DROPPING A DISTRIBUTOR IN YOUR SBC
The static timing of an engine is critical to its operation. Let’s face it, improper timing means the engine won’t even start much less run. In that case wewantedtoshowyouhow to locate a small-block Chevy’spropertimingmark, or what is referred to in technical terms as the engine’s Top Dead Center (TDC) setting.
[01] First, remove the valve cover on the driver’s side of the engine to expose the rocker arms.[02] Using a socket wrench on the crankshaft bolt, rotate the engine clockwise, paying close attention to the number one cylinder or the first two rocker arms on the driver’s side until the first rocker arm (the exhaust valve) travels down to open the exhaust valve.[03] Next, continue to turn until the rocker arm comes back up and the next rocker arm (the intake valve) travels down, opening the intake valve. Continue until the rocker arm comes back up and you see no further movement of the rocker arms. You’ve just set the engine to its compression stoke.[04] Continuing to turn the crankshaft, watch the balancer as it turns, paying attention for a groove in the balancer. Look at the timing chain cover on the front of the block and you will see a timing plate, which is graduated in degrees. Continue to turn the crankshaft slowly until the groove on the balancer is aligned with the 0 pointer on the timing chain cover.[05] This CFR Performance distributor offers great performance without using an external ignition box to control the spark, which is an excellent choice on an application like this ’37 Ford truck where space is limited.[06] To install, turn the rotor on the distributor to point in the direction of the number one cylinder, and using a long screwdriver or an oil pump primer, like this one available from Moroso Performance, set the groove in the oil pump to align with the key in the bottom of the distributor gear and gently side the distributor in place. That’s it. You’ve successfully dropped the distributor in place. Note that this is just a baseline, or what is referred to as static timing, and you should still run the engine and use a timing light to dial in the final timing before heading out onto the road.
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MARCEL VENABLE
.
April 30, 2025
.
Department
Share Link