I have the stock 305 out of the car so I could do some of the things that are near impossible to do with the engine in the car (oil pan gasket, valve seals, etc).

Before I reinstall the intake manifold - can I find #1 TDC by looking at the lifters? What would I look for? I've done a search and most mention the finger over the spark plug hole, but since I can see the lifters, I figure that would be more accurate. The timing chain was not removed, but I don't really trust the timing tab and I want to be able to install the distributor and plug wires knowing the motor is at TDC.

Thanks

Kevin

 

if im not mistaken the intake and exhaust lifters would probably be flush with the top pf the lifter bore. but you need to make sure your on the compression stroke,

 

Watch the lifters on cylinder #6. As the exhaust closes and intake begins to open you will be on TDC of #1. Set your balancer around 8 or 10 btdc and you're good to go.

 

or you can just take the 1st spark plug out and since the motor is out of the car just look into the spark plug hole[remember 1st cylinder] and make sure the piston is at TDC if not turn crank by hand until it is then when you put everything back together put the distributor rotor pointing to the 1st cylinder wire.....and then start it up!!!

 

Easier still to watch the crank keyway. When it's aligned with the #1 cylinder, you're at TDC #1.

 

On the firing stroke or the exhaust stroke?