i have a 355 that should be putting out around 330 hp and 380 fpt but it jus does not feel like it i was told that timing could cause this. i do not have a timing light or anything like that is there a simple way to get it right?...a guy turned my dist one way and the motor kinda loped more and the other way made it kinda seem to idle higher ....any tips would help

 

Timing it by ear will usually get it close enough to be driveable, but you really need a timing light. You can pick one up for like 20 bucks at any auto parts store. There is no other way to accurately set the timing.

 

okay i will pick one up but then what? how do i time it for the best hp?

 

All around best would have to be done on a dyno with a datalogger and the ability to change the timing tables at varying rpm's.
Doing it with a light? Set it to factory spec.