you can use a timing light to set the engine timing. just have to disconnect the computers temp sensor on drivers side of intake while setting the timing. not really sure how to get much of a rumble out of a la engine without pretty much removing the entire exhaust. i find my 89 is quiet and hard to tell when it is running where there is no mistaking when my 93 is running.

 

any good instructional videos for finding no.1 cylinder compression stroke for tdc and setting timing on a 1988 318 5.2l thanks

 

i just use a timing light. you pretty much need one to set the timing right on a 88-91 anyways to set the base timing. the truck will likely fire up or turn the distributor a bit till it fires up and then set the timing once it warms up. if you haven't pull the distributor out of the engine the timing should likely be fine.

 

I got all the kinks worked out . Anything comes up in future let yas know thanks guys happy holidays