I was talking about what I was told was distributor phasing. A guy I work with said that you could cut a hole in the distribtor cap, where the number 1 cylinder is and paint the rotor. Then with a timing light and the car running you could some how adjust the distribtor so that the rotor and the cap were perfectly aligned.
Some can call me Bill and some can call me Will but its all the same to me...
Phasing is simply an offbeat pseudonym for timing.
1. Locate TDC of the compression stroke for #1 cylinder.
2. Mark timing marks on harmonic at desired timing point (usually 6 degrees BTDC).
3. Mark distributor case where #1 spark plug wire plugs in cap (centerline of electrical post).
4. Rotate engine to timing mark on harmonic.
5. Remove distributor cap, loosen distributor and turn until rotor aligns with mark on distributor case (step #3 above). If vaccuum advance diaphragm prevents full movement, lift distributor, and drop back in at gear tooth where rotor will allow easy adjustment of distributor before and after mark (step #3 above). When rotor is exactly aligned on cap post for #1, car is timed.
6. Reinstall cap and tighten distributor.
7. Validate timing with timing light (vaccuum advance disconnected and plugged, engine rpm at lowest obtainable rpm or 600 rpm). Light should flash directly on timing mark (see #2 above).
Distributor phasing is the aligning of the rotor to the distributor cap towers. A lot of time the rotor is misphased (not pointing directly at the tower) causing lost power or miss at high speed. The best way I found is to use a clear distributor cap. That way you can then point the timing light at the distributor and see where the rotor is pointing when the spark occurs. To correct the mis alignment requires you to turn the plate inside the distributor until it is in phase.
Thank you restomod racing, this is actually common practice on mopars. Just becasue you have never heard of it, doesnt mean that I have no idea what I am talking about.
I also thought this was a myth, until "Two Guys Garage" (I think that's the name) did a show on this. If I remember correctly, on Fords, it pertains to electronic ignition systems. You might check their website.