Setting up timing for the first time with Pertronix Ignitor

[dantheman]

Hey guys, I am hoping someone can help me out here. I am getting to the point of starting my rebuilt engine and have a timing/distributor question. I rebuilt my original IAD4008 with all new springs, bushings, oil and everything but left out the points system. I replaced that with a Pertronix 2541N6 kit (using stock electrical setup except for this) and will be using their 1.5 ohm coil. BTW, the kit comes with the wrong wire grommet, but I just called up Pertronix's service line and they mailed me the right one along with confirming that this is the correct kit for an IAD4008. What I am having trouble figuring out is how to set the timing close when installing the distributor. I don't have any points to watch open... Should I put the rotor on and turn the base until the rotor points to where the #1 wire would be with the flywheel at IGN? I am pretty sure I understand the timing light and/or vacuum guage concept after you get the engine running, but I don't want to have any trouble when I start it the first time by having the timing way off. Any suggestions?

[Marty, SoCal]

Set it to TDC#1, with the timing window mark lined up to IGN. Install the distributor with the rotor pointing to #1. Wire up the ignition and place the coil wire in the coil, with the cap end near the cylinder head, or other grounded metal. Turn on the ignition switch and Rotate the distributor body until the coil sparks. Tighten the hold downs, you should start and run normally, and the timing will be very close.

[dantheman]

Thanks Marty! That makes perfect sense, I'm mad I didn't think of that lol. I was thinking almost along the same lines, but instead of hooking up the coil I was thinking of putting a meter across the two leads coming from the electronic trigger and looking for a change as I turned the distributor. If I understand this correctly, I should start with the rotor just before the #1 position and turn it clockwise until I see the spark, right?

[dantheman]

One more question on this. Since I am using an aftermarket coil, listed at 40,000 V, and this electronic trigger, would the spark plug gap need to be altered? For that matter, what is the recommended spark plug gap in the first place? I can't seem to find it. I'm using the AutoLite plugs Ron sells if that makes a difference.

[Marty, SoCal]

Try setting the gap at .045", if it misfires, go down to .040". The larger gaps will cause a higher voltage spark, which sometimes fires a poorer than optimum air/fuel mixture. It may run smoother with a wide gap. Most modern vehicles use wide gapped plugs.