Thread: Harmonic balancer on 454 has 4 timing marks.....

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Use this tutorial to find TDC with the heads on....
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...op_dead_center
I suspect the carb will be unwilling to accept any adjustment until you get some ignition advance dialed in. Fuel pressure is perfect, leave it alone.

Use a couple of small tie wraps to secure the mechanical advance weights to the shaft so that they cannot swing out and advance the timing and put 34-38 degrees of advance in at the crank. Start at 34 and dial in another 2 degrees after trial runs, up to 38. Connect vacuum advance line to the ported vacuum port of the carb, not manifold vacuum and limit ported vacuum to 12 degrees or less. Crane makes an adjustable vacuum can that may work for you. If the motor kicks back against the starter when cranking, cut the feed line to the coil and insert a momentary push button normally closed switch that you can hold in with one thumb while your other hand cranks the motor with the key. Once the motor is spinning, release the momentary button and the motor will be running. No muss, no fuss. As far as not firing right away when cranking, install a manual choke on the carb and pull it to full choke before cranking. I used to also install a microswitch on the choke shaft assembly that would close a circuit and illuminate a small amber light on the dash, letting me know that the choke was engaged in case I forgot it and began driving with the choke on after the motor was warm. A fellow could also incorporate a turn signal blinker switch if he wanted to make it easy to see and get his attention. Sling that automatic choke arrangement over the fence.

The motor needs to breathe, so install a minimum 14" x 4" air filter assembly. In my opinion, all the hype about those oil-impregnated filters is a bunch of hogwash, but if you buy into it, go for it. Otherwise, just use one 4" conventional filter element or stack two 2" ones on top of each other.

What I've outlined here is all low-buck stuff that you can try and then reverse if you don't like the outcome. The one thing you MUST do though, is find TDC.