2 days and I'm VERY nervous...

[440cj]

Ok, in 2 days I fire up the rebuilt 360 for the '74 Dart...I gots the jitters bigtime! Just a mildly reworked 10:1 original-block with Hughes Al2340 cam, etc. but I forgot how to make sure initial timing is spot on for the initial fire-up. I have the #1 cylinder at TDC and corresponds with the damper, know how to install the distributor AFTER engine is installed ( don't wanna break it as that can happen with sb's) but can't figure out how to get initial right BEFORE she is fired up. Will turn over the ignition till oil light goes off (I know, I know, get a guage!) so the top has oil but am having visions of all the moly wearing off the cam lobes/lifters before she fires and wiping a lobe out! Since I can't think straight, can someone help me out here? Thanks! 440cj

[451Mopar]

Get a drill and oil pump primong rod so you can prime the engine with oil before installing the distribitor. Rotate the engine slowely while priming to make sure oil gets upto the rocker gear.

Make sure the #1 cylinder is on the compression stroke (both valves closed, presure should be felt at spark plug hole.)
Set the timming mark to 10 degree before TDC.
Install distribitor with the rotor point to the #1 spark plug wire in the distribitor cap. Rotate the distribitor to where the reluctor ligns up with the magnetic pickup if using the electronic ignition, if a point distribitor, rotate to where the points just start to open.

[440cj]

Thanks, 451...whew! 440cj

[6pakman]

most most most important!!!! turn the engine over at short cranking, a couple of seconds at a time, do not keep turning it over for a long peroid. that can wear down the cam fast. if that baby does not start up after a 3 0r four times of short cranking check the vitals, gas, spark, timing, ect. once it does start it must idle at least at 2000 rpm for about 10 minutes. very important for cam break in. good luck!!

[Dart]

To get #1 at TDC, undo the plug and stick your finger in the #1 hole and crank the motor. When your finger shoots out from pressure, you got TDC.

p.s. - Don't stick your finger WAY down in the hole...

[Dart]

Actually cam break in on the MP cams is 20 min at 2500 rpm.