I just got my fresh 1500 together and fired up last night. NEW NOS block, NOS crank, NOS rods, new pistons, new fiber reeds, NOS bearings, fresh rebuilt with Merc kit carbs etc. As close to a new 1500 as is possible in the 21st Century. Anyway its idling away at 10 degrees ATDC with a max of 21 degrees ( low dome pistons with premium no ethanol gas ) and Ive got to get the throttle pickup set. The mercury book sucks on the topic and the most common internet FAQ on the subject isnt all that clear on the topic either. I know it should be 3-4 ( or more ) degrees BTDC that the the throttle plate start to open but do I set the flywheel static at idle setting and then rotate the distributor to get the throttle pickup ? Whats your best way?