https://www.dieselbombers.com/5-9l-1...7100-pump.html

how dangerous is this? mm seems like a very small amount and if you go to far your screwed? whats the best way to measure this?

 

you will need a DV mounted Dial indicator to measure lift .. go from lift not in MM's of rotation .

Dangerous to internal parts if you over shoot your timing ... like the HG .. for starters

 

if your not comfortable doing this by yourself, best to have a shop do it just to be safe.

 

when setting timing you must take your time and be very careful. it is not hard to do when you have the correct tooling. majority of us old school guys have the kit to do so. i charge a 50 dollar bill to set timing on an engine to the guys around me. so if you wont be setting it alot it may be better off to have someone else do the job.
50$ for standard timing
150$ for perfect timing.
perfect timing is much more precise and timing pins are not involved, not recommended for many guys to do and it takes a bit longer.