How do you set the dwell on a small block Chevy?

Answer 1

You will need a dwell meter. You know that little window in the distributor cap? Open that, and with the motor running, set it to 30 degrees, by using a special wrench, (an allen) and tightening, or loosening the bolt you see. When you get them new, they are automatically set close enough to start the motor. If you are stuck, the gap is .017. You will have to remove the distributor cap, and turn the motor over until the points are on the high side of the cam, or eccentric, that drives them. Then, gap them. That should get you close enough to start up, and set.