sbc runs better retarded than advanced?

What you say in the part I quoted is correct, The rest is also correct but pertains to setting the distributor. Go back and read the part of the post you responded to that I took exception to. The OP has no timing mark and the discussion is to help him establish one, not install the distributor and static time it for operation. To establish the timing mark on an engine you have to determine TDC of the piston, #1 in a SBC, and then make your mark and a pointer that will be stable in operation. After the mark and pointer have been established then all you say is true to install the distributor.
lg
no neat sig line

 

You're absolutely correct as well. Went back an re-read the OP and it looked like he might be having three or four different issues to contend with. I think it's just a matter of you looking at it from one angle and me from another.

Looking just at crank position with no regard to the cam or distributor, TDC #1 is TDC #1 pure and simple!

Not surprisingly I kind of over ****yzed things, figuring before it was all said and done the distributor might be in and out of it a couple times and the cap rewired as well.

 

you have no clue who that is do you.....

 

I heard the guy was a grump....

 

Bill Grumpy Jenkins?

 

Shhhhhh........

 

Funny that the OP has never commented back on responses to his questions .........