Thread: Timing by ear?

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Timing lights and book specs can't take into account the effects of age, wear and tear . . .
why not time the engine statically . . .

Not to discount anything that has been said to this point, but this question did spark an old memory.

Back when we had no tools or money we would -

Find #1 TDC using some down hole device like a wire or screw driver.
Set the point gap at the highest cam point.
Put a cigarette celophane between the points (while closed).
While pulling on the paper, rotate the distributor (counter clockwise?) until the paper 'just' released from the grip of the ponts.

That was the starting timing point to check rotor alignment etc.
From there - easy staring and no bogging under accelleration by ear.

Of course these were old tuners - not expensive 'built' engines.