setting timing.

[vande]

i want to set the timing on my truck to where its perfect or nearly perfect. i raise the number one piston and then point the rotor to number one plug but i think im still a couple degrees off. im losing power. how can i set the timing another way, i just purchased a timing light. will that help. oh yeah on the harmonic balancer their r those numbers for when u us the timing gun, my question is what number do i us to set the timing. the block is off of a 78 chevy van and the motor is stock.

[ReedZ]

hook your timing light up to the plug on the front right, loosen your distributor, and plug your vacuum hose, set your timing to stock to start with and then go from there to see where it works the best (pointing timing light at balancer and reading the numbers. I ended up with approx. 12 advanced. As a result i had to lower my idle down, but i definitely better get up and go then i did with it set at 4

I don\'t know if this helps, but i hope it gives you an idea.