I just put a new distributor in my son's 83 z28. I have been fighting to try and get the timing set. Here are the specs: 305 with a holly carb, msd distributor with vac advance, new plugs and wires, distributor was installed with the #1 piston close to TDC, all wires are in correct position,and the car will start and run but the timing has to be retarted to around 10 to 20 degrees.

Will this hurt my engine? Will it be o.k. as is? How would I fix this ?

Thanks to all for your help!!

 

Sounds like you have the dist. off a couple teeth.
I'd find TDC compression stroke #1 and check to see where your rotor is pointing and then pull out the dist.& reset as needed.


Watch this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxyjA...eature=related

 

If your timing is retarded that far, then yes it could hurt the engine eventually. Not o.k. as is. If you have a timing light and know that the timing is retarded, then the easiest way to fix it is to rotate the distributor counter-clockwise to advance the timing. If rotation is limited due to clearance or pulling against the plug wires, you'll then need to pop the distributor out and turn the rotor clockwise a little bit and drop it back in. Don't forget to also turn the oil pump shaft the same amount with a screwdriver so it still lines up with the distributor.