308 with 304 heads..

[vc commodore]

6 degrees before TDC as a start

 

[someguy360]

If you haven't had a timing light to it, it could be just about anywhere.

You'll need that to go any further, you'll never find it without it.

Base timing should be around 6 to 8 degrees on a 308 from memory.

Don't try revving it until you know your timing is right, if it's too far advanced or retarded you'll just hurt things. If you've just slapped the distributor in and hoped for the best it's not going to be even close.

 

[vc commodore]

The quick dizzy slap I do is, have no 1 plug out and wind it over until you reach compression stroke.

From there I wind the motor back until the harmonic balancer timing mark lines up with the timing case mark at around the 6 degree mark using the harmonic balancer puller bolts and a big screw driver

From that I drop the dizzy in and turn it until the rotor lines up with no 1 on the cap.....Tighten it there

Should be very very close at that, providing you have a good harmonic balancer and it hasn't done what the old ones do...The outer spins on the inner because the rubber inbetween is cactus

 

[Cash22]

The quick dizzy slap I do is, have no 1 plug out and wind it over until you reach compression stroke.

From there I wind the motor back until the harmonic balancer timing mark lines up with the timing case mark at around the 6 degree mark using the harmonic balancer puller bolts and a big screw driver

From that I drop the dizzy in and turn it until the rotor lines up with no 1 on the cap.....Tighten it there

Should be very very close at that, providing you have a good harmonic balancer and it hasn't done what the old ones do...The outer spins on the inner because the rubber inbetween is cactus

Ok so we have done all this several times...im thinking its got to be the harmonic balance spun

 

[vc commodore]

Ok so we have done all this several times...im thinking its got to be the harmonic balance spun

Old harmonic balancer?

When you get no 1 compression stroke, check the harmonic balancer mark against the timing case.....If it doesn't line up, you have found the culprit

 

[Immortality]

6 degrees before TDC as a start

Although technically correct for a stock motor, I'd go 10°BTDC like the later 304's. Depending on the cam it may even like more.

 

[Hole Denn]

Yep 10° for efi 304 cam/head package is the way to go

 

[Cash22]

Old harmonic balancer?

When you get no 1 compression stroke, check the harmonic balancer mark against the timing case.....If it doesn't line up, you have found the culprit

It does line up

Old harmonic balancer?

When you get no 1 compression stroke, check the harmonic balancer mark against the timing case.....If it doesn't line up, you have found the culprit

She lines up