New Help with Top Dead Center

[teejay65]

Usually I rotate my 350 engine to top dead center prior to installation and am careful to not lose the position even when bumping it around for transmission alignment. Lot easier for stabbing the distributor. This engine I bought from a friend, is highly modified-383 stroker, was sitting a while and so the valve springs were loosened up to prevent undue wear and the engine was not on top dead center. Its in my 65 truck now and was wonderig if someone has a procedure for finding top dead center involving adjusting valves. Usually I just put a compression guage on number one and wait until the compression comes up and align the mark on the harmonic balancer with the timing tab. With the value springs all backed off, this procedure is out. Any help would be appreciated.

TeeJay