Triumph Repair: 76 Triumph Spitffire 1500, deg btdc, spitfire 1500

Question
QUESTION: Hello again.  I presented you with a bit of a problem with detonation from my 76 Spitfire.  I forgot to ask one question.  According to my Chilton repair manuel, the distributer is electronic and the vaccume line should NOT be removed and plugged while setting the timing.  Is this correct.  Also, is 2 ATDC the optimum setting using premium fuel for a 76 Spitfire 1500?

ANSWER: Hi Matt,
Use the specs under the hood as they override any specs in the manuals. However, my manual says static time at 10 deg BTDC.
Howard

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QUESTION: Sounds great, but the problem is the last owner painted over it.  I am using a timing light so what would the spec be for that and do I remove the vaccume line since the car is equiped with factory electronic ignition.

Answer
Matt, you don't need to remove the vacuum hose because you are setting the timing at 10 Deg BTDC STATIC (not running) You can use your timing light to set it STATICALLY.
Remove all four spark plugs and attach the plug wires to each plug and lay them on a metal part of the engine. Connect your timing light to #1 plug wire and put the car is 4th gear. hand move the car forward by pushing on the front tire and watch the timing light (if it is the type with a trigger tape the trigger down) move the car very slowly forward and as soon as you see a single flash from the light stop and look at the timing marks. If it is at 10 deg you are done, if it is not adjust the distributor and back the car up a little and move it forward again. Soon you will have the single flash and the timing mark will be at 10 Deg. The more accurate you are the better it will run.
Howard