I recently changed from points to HEI in my 69 Valiant and I had some issues with timing. I wanted to get some input on how everything is hooked up particularly with regard to the polarity of the coil. I've heard that connecting the coil polarity wrong could have adverse effects on timing. My timing is currently 20-30 BTDC which compared to the 5 BTDC I had with the points is troubling.

Pics here: https://goo.gl/photos/mpTe7uaSNdXbyL5h6

I've also heard that you can set timing by finding max vacuum. As I don't have a reliable Tach I was wondering if that was true?

So...what happens when you adjust the new distributor to 5° BTDC?
Nope. You need a timing light. It's best if you also have a tachometer, but the crucial tool is the timing light.

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Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

It runs rough, sputters and starts to stall whenever I get close to 10 BTDC. Iv'e tried timing it cold and the vacuum advance removed and hot with it installed.

You may have to swap the two wires between the distributor pickup and module. You shouldn't have problems running the same advance as you did with points.

Definitely timing set with a light. Idle mixture is the one done by vacuum.

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86 Miser 170,000+
2 1/4" exhaust
Holley 1920 #55
HEI MSD BLaster 2
17.8 mpg

If you are talking about pickup coil polarity, yes having it backward will affect timing & driveability. Usually the black wire on the pickup coil lead should end up connected to the "G" terminal on the HEI module.

For the ignition coil itself, if the "+" & "-" wires are reversed on the coil promary, then it won't change timing, but it will make the spark output VERY weak.

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63 Valiant Wagon
225 - 4 bbl