Lars

In the old mondello book (I don't have anymore), he said you could mark the balancer for total timing at a certain RPM using a standard light. I have the big 350 balancer 7-1/8, my mark is about 2-1/4" over from 0. This should mean the max timing is 35* BTDC at 2500 prm's and will not advance anymore. it this info correct? is this info trustworthy? I don't plan on buying an adjustable timing light, and this seems like a good cheat way to do it. after-all we are working with 45 year old technology.

oldcutlass

That is a good cheat way of doing it if the mark is correct. An after market timing tape works really well also.

Lars

Am I right at my numbers?

oldcutlass

I would borrow a setback timing light from a parts store or a friend, and verify your mark. You can use a chalk line temporarily.

J-(Chicago)

Before you mess with that, verify your zero mark on the balancer.

rotate the engine clockwise, and find the very top of the piston's travel with a dial indicator. Make a mark.

Then rotate it the other way and find the very top of the piston travel again. Make another mark.

True zero will be in the center between those 2 lines.

Fun71

In the picture you are measuring a straight line between the two marks. You need to measure along the arc of the balancer to get the right reading.

Here's a tip: use a length of string to measure around the balancer, mark where it overlaps, then measure how long it is with your ruler/tape measure. Divide that measurement by 360 (360 degrees in a circle) and you have how many inches along the circumference for each degree. Then multiply that number by 35 and that is how far your new mark should be from the TDC mark. This will work with any diameter balancer.