Dave, I don't have a 1971 TSM but the 1972 TSM lists the initial timing for the 401 (with 8.5:1 compression ratio) as 5 degress BTDC for both manual and automatic transmissions. Total timing (cent for vacuum) should be 34 to 42 degrees and should be all in by 2000 rpm. Joe Fulton Salinas, CA _______________________________________________ AMC-List mailing list AMC-List@xxxxxxxxxxxx http://www.amc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/amc-list or go to http://www.amc-list.com