henry, i really dont know to answer this but when you post i feel like youer correcting me and if i answer back im arguing with you and the truth is you can set the timing eather way, but im not basing my info. from
"how to build a big block" but experence. ive been doing this everyday for 40 yrs., been to most of the tune-up classes that comes around, and all of G.M. tune-up classes and im ASE certificated in motor repair and engine performance and ive never seen a instrustor hook a timing light to the dist for any other reason than to set the time after you start the motor im sure it does what you say it does but in the real world its not necessary.
with all- due respect of course