Setting Initial timing and valve lash SBC

[Jesus5150]

I'm having trouble finding answers here. I'm certain this question has been covered but apparently I'm using the wrong keywords.

I've got a fresh 350 with stock heads. Never Assembled a Chevy V8 Before so I'm not sure how to do the initial timing, or how to tighten the rockers.

What I've done is put the #1 piston @tdc then put the cam in with gear mark at 6 o'clock. I put the crank pulley mark at 12 o'clock which sets the crank pulley key at roughly 3 o'clock. (wasn't sure which timing mark to use on my lunati double roller lower pulley. But I think I used the right one.) so that's where the timing is thus far.

I have to prime the oil pump still so the distributor isn't in yet.

As for the rocker arms, I'm not sure how to set initial lash. Was thinking about just tightening them against the Valves and then backing off a turn, but then I'm not sure how to deal with the Valves being partially open on some... So confused.

[geezer#99]

With the cam gear at 6 and the crank gear at 12, you're on #6 tdc compression.
To get to #1 tdc compression, just rotate the crank once around.
Line up your timing tab/balancer at zero and point the rotor at #1 on the cap. When you tighten the dizzy down, just rotate it about 1/2 inch first.That'll get it started.
Here's a wiki on setting lifter pre-load. Remember to wiggle the pushrods and not twist them.
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...raulic_lifters

[Jesus5150]

Now I'm really confused. When I did this the closest cylinder on the right bank (when looking at the Waterpump) was at tdc. I understood this to be #1

[geezer#99]

Originally Posted by Jesus5150

Now I'm really confused. When I did this the closest cylinder on the right bank (when looking at the Waterpump) was at tdc. I understood this to be #1

That is correct!
#1 is at tdc exhaust when you line the marks up at 12 crank and 6 cam.
To get to #1 tdc compression, you rotate the crank around once.
It was designed that way.
In order to minimize mistakes for the engine assembly guys, it was set that way. Easier to line up 2 dots right close togethor than 2 dots both at 12 oclock.

[yuccales]

If your not in a big hurry to get your motor done, and like to read, this is a pretty good book. "How to Rebuild Your Small Block Chevy" by David Vizard. Otherwise, keep asking questions here, because there is a bunch of knowledge on this site.

[swamp rat]

Heres a link to a thread that will help with the static lash adjustment.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...valve+lash+sbc


I'll add that you don't want to spin the push rod, you want to lift it up and down and adjust the nut untill you don't have any up and down movement, then my preferance is to tighten 1/2 additional turn.

[Jesus5150]

I did that. Everything went well. Thanks guys. Now if I could just get help with my trans. I got one answer and when I questioned it I got a dismissive, sarcastic remark...