Timing with Electronic Ignition, How many degrees before TDC? Options

[Ken6432]

I have a '74 914 with dual Weber 44s and a Pertronix Ignitor distributor, with no vacuum advance on it (or mechanical as far as I can tell). Pertronix says that there is no dwell setting for their distributors. They said I would be fine using a static timing technique, but I would be more comfortable using a timing light.

My question is, how many degrees before TDC to I set the timing? Or, am I missing something? It seems I need to know this in order to set the timing correctly.

Thanks for the help.

Ken

[stugray]

I agree with Daves 30 degrees.

I set mine at 34 degees because I am at high altitude and thats what the race types in this area suggest.
I havent driven it long enough to know if I have a heat issue yet.
If I am running hot, I will back it off.

And use a variable timing light and screw the stupid timing marks on the fan.
Push the rear engine tin up about 1/4 inch and it will pop back.
Then you can see the zero degree mark on the flywheel.
It is MUCH easier to time that way than trying to see down the hole to the marks on the fan (if you even HAVE a zero degree mark on the fan).