I recently obtained a 87 5.7l carb'd formula. The guy I got it from was a dimwad and had the firing all wrong. Not only that he said he had taken the dizzy out and put it back in. Now him having the dizzy out I can't say he put it back in right. So I found the mark on the harmonic balancer and got that lined up and the rotor is pointing towards cylinder 6 and 4. Kind of in the middle of them. Now is this a case where I can return the dizzy to cylinder one? Or am I gonna have to definitely find TDC and go from there? Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Wanna get this baby going again.

 

First, just because the timing mark says TDC doesn't mean go ahead. Because what it's not telling you is if it's at the end of the compression stroke or the end of the exhaust stroke. The best way to determine that is to pull the valve cover and watch the rocker arms.
Once you're sure you're TDC after the compression stroke, then re-stab the distributor, with the rotor pointing toward your left front headlights. If it doesn't re-engage the oil pump driveshaft, and go down all the way, you'll need a long straight screwdriver.
From there, reassemble everything, then it'll fire so you can set the initial timing with any timing light.

 

or u can leave the valve cover on and have someone turn the engine over with a breaker bar on the crank bolt, i believe its a 16mm socket, and put ur thumb or finger over cylinder 1 spark plug hole, remember to take all the plugs out so it is easier to turn, and have them turn it while watching the timing mark and if u feel compression thats tdc.

 

Hey guys got it running!!

Guy that had the car before me was a real tool. All it needed was a ignition coil. I suppose maybe he did get the dizzy in right but definitely still needs timing.

Formula 350 with a 750 carb, brand new paint job. 400 bucks