So I borrowed a friend's timing light and was about to go to set the timing when another friend of mine told me that I would probably get a reading that isn't right due to the different parts I have on there over stock. Granted the engine is running a good bit higher cam, roller rockers, etc, etc. but it still relies on spark and distributor to determine firing. So a timing light should work no matter what, right?

 

the timing light shows you exactly when the engine if firing so yes

 

The timing light will still work like it should. But with your modifications, your engine is most likely going to want to be at a different setting from stock specs.

 

You want max advance under a load before the engine pings (marbles). If you have an automatic trans, the hot-rodders way of timing doesn't even require a light.

 

SpecterGT260> Yeah, that's what I thought but the guy telling me this is fairly intelligent about building cars, boats, etc. so it made me doubt it a little. I'm not tech or mechanic so I'll listen to someone that has more experience than me but when I have doubts I'll ask around and get a general consensus.

Camaro69> Yeah, I was thinking maybe an advance somewhere around 12.

 

With the car in gear, stand on the brakes and give it the gas, but not so much to move the car or break the tires free.

 

Have a helper advance the timing until the engine pings, then back it off until the ping stops.

 

Camaro69> Yeah, that's the way we did it since it's a TH400. Raise piston 1 till it's at its height and then set the distributor from there and move the distributor clockwise to advance it till it's all good. I'm pretty sure I'm really close but when I shut down on the third run today it dieseled one time after shutdown. It's temp was running only 160 with the new Griffin radiator so I know it wasn't hot but maybe the spark plugs were still hot or something.

 

Camaro69> Ha ha, I live out in the middle of nowhere so getting a helper to help me sometimes requires a lot of bribing with beer.

 

Oops! Maybe that's why it dieseled? The distributor shaft rotates clockwise. Rotating the body Counter-Clockwise advances the timing.