What's the serial number?

No idea. Engine most likely has an '01 build date as he thought he was getting an '01 boat but they tagged it an '02. Engine has since been rebuilt into a 383 and is in another buddy's boat. If I'm out at his shop this weekend where he keeps it I'll take a look.

Your right
The first Gen 6.2 came with a MEFI-3 and TB Ign
Next Gen was 555 with HVS, so if it has 555 (OP said his is) it has HVS

And that is a whole different animal to time.

Actually he hasn't said yet.
I asked if it did to clarify his situation.
He never did say yet.

I have the typical distributor, not the flat style. Like mentioned, I’m the first s/n run of the 6.2l. Inn be posted the parts fiche of what my distributor looks like.

Looks like it is 8*, use timing tool or wire ‘trick’ you mentioned.
See: https://www.scribd.com/doc/34814946/...upplement-6-2l
Appears it Has the EST /Voyager distributor

I have that book. I didn't find anything about setting the timing? Maybe i missed it.

In the link i provided, i saw and read the section on 1) the degree setting and 2) setting the timing, thus why i provided the link for you.

The link just brings it up to page 1. Thanks for the help though.