ignition timing - how to find the good angle for the distributor

[gbraun]

I have a 1984 2 liters FI spider. I removed the distributor and searching for the good angle to find the correct ignition timing. I can start the car but not sure to have the correct ignition timing . Is somebody could explain me how to do ? Cheers

[ORFORD2004]

Start by having a timing light.

[MattVAS]

Set it to zero and then mount the distributor so that you can easily move it around. Most cars run on 10 degrees of advance which is noted by the timing pointer to the crank pulley. The "instructions" for doing timing are actually pretty long and would take a while to type out. You'll want a shop manual for the full length instructions.

[azruss]

If the car starts, then you have it close. Try rotating the motor so the cams and crank are at TDC. At this point, the rotor should be pointing to the #4 contact on the inside of the dizzy cap. Look at the where the dizzy lobe and the mag pick up are in relation to each other. If the 2 are lined up, that should be zero advance. Then you can rotate the dizzy 10 degrees advanced and that should get you within a degree or two. (more advanced will make the idle go up). I have tried timing by ear and never got it close. A timing light is the best way to do it.