If you have the original IP on the '85 engine you can time it with what is known as the A-B timing light. This is a lot easier and arguably more reliable than drip tests. You might be able to borrow this equipment from a forum member => search for the tool rental thread.

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I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

I see lots of people mention the A-B timing light, but i have been searching and searching and can not find the actual tool anywhere...

Since you have the '85, setting timing becomes much easier for you.

On the side of the IP, near the flange where the forward section of the IP attaches to to the rear section is a bolt. Remove this bolt. Some oil will discharge from the port. Ignore it.

Rotate the engine to 15 degrees AFTER TDC on the POWER STROKE of the #1cylinder. Be sure you're not on the intake stroke.

Now get a mirror and look into the port. You're looking for a steel tang that comes close to the opening of the port. If you see the tang in the middle of the port (unlikely), you have the timing spot on. If you do not see the tang, rotate the IP in the slots and try to find the tang. If you can't find the tang, move the timing to 5 degrees AFTER TDC and try it again. You want to see the tang in the middle of the port and get a read on the timing at the crankshaft. You might need to try various positions at the crankshaft until you find the tang.

Once you have this figure, then we can tell you what to do about it.