289 Timing?

[Tommy]

Has this engine run right for you in the past? If so, what changes have you made?

If it ran good in the past AND you know the timing mark on the balancer is in the correct place, then this should come down to putting the distributor in at the right place. That's usually done by turning the engine over until the #1 piston is at TDC and confirming that with the timing mark. Then drop the distributor into the hole so the button on the rotor is pointed at the #1 spark plug wire on the cap after it is fully seated into the cam gear. With that done, install the plugs and wires, and tighten the distributor hold down so you can just move it by hand. If you have vacuum advance, disconnect it and plug the hose for no vacuum leak. Start the engine and slowly turn the distributor to get the smoothest, highest idle. Check the timing with a light and compare it with the goal of about 8* before TDC. When the engine is warmed up, adjust the carb and timing for the best idle again. Then check the timing when you increase throttle to to raise the RPM to see your "all in" advance. When all looks right, tighten the hold down and reconnect the vacuum advance. There's more, but this should get you close.