Timing pointer question? - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

camaro87-alex · 08-28-2009, 05:57 PM

Hi there..I have a simple question when it comes to the timing pointer.
I have a 87 Camaro that was original a 305 quadrajet engine in it.

Last winter i swapped the injection system to TPI. Changed wiring harness and everything is brand new...

My question is. After I got the TPI throttle body and air duct it is almost impossible for me to see the timing pointer. The pointer is right below the water pump and points about 12.00clock upwards if you know what I mean.

Shouldn't the timing pointer be placed about 2.00clock or something on the TPI engines?...

I just think it is so difficult to adjust my timing with the timing pointer so hidden. Another thing. There is a metal peace wich is sylinder formed, at the end of the pointer. Think it is called a magnetic probe hole or something?.What is that for?...Can I change my timing pointer?...Hope somebody could help me out here..

dwinhofer · 08-28-2009, 06:03 PM

On my 1985 Iroc tpi the timing pointer is at about 1 o'clock. I just ran out and looked. It is pretty easy to see when I time it.

Damon · 08-28-2009, 08:47 PM

I'm pretty sure they went back to the older style 1:30 position timing pointer location on TPI engines for that exact reason.

You would need to replace the balancer for one designed to work with a 1:30 position timing tab (use one for an 87 TPI engine) and buy a bolt-on timing tab that goes in the matching 1:30 position.

Your will still read correctly, but it's obviously in an inconvenient location with the TPI snorkel directly in the way of seeing it.

camaro87-alex · 08-29-2009, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damon

I'm pretty sure they went back to the older style 1:30 position timing pointer location on TPI engines for that exact reason.

You would need to replace the balancer for one designed to work with a 1:30 position timing tab (use one for an 87 TPI engine) and buy a bolt-on timing tab that goes in the matching 1:30 position.

Your will still read correctly, but it's obviously in an inconvenient location with the TPI snorkel directly in the way of seeing it.

Ok..I sholud look for that then. Is it any special dimension on the balancer. I mean, I haven't measured the size..Is it 6", 7" or what??
I will try to do this like you mentioned..

Damon · 08-29-2009, 07:09 AM

The TPI balancer I mentioned is a 6-3/4" unit. Timing tab must be designed for that size balancer.

jeinteriordesig · 06-23-2010, 06:14 AM

I know this ia an older post but i have a similar issue i also have a 305 that i converted the intake to tpi i recently put a gear drive timing set that has a cover to go with it with the timing tab built into the cover at about 1:30 my factory tab is about 12:00

camaro87-alex · 06-23-2010, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeinteriordesig

I know this ia an older post but i have a similar issue i also have a 305 that i converted the intake to tpi i recently put a gear drive timing set that has a cover to go with it with the timing tab built into the cover at about 1:30 my factory tab is about 12:00

I have rebuilt my engine last winter so I figured out how to do this.
I just bought a new harmonic balancer (damper) that had the TDC at 14:00.

Then I bought a timing cover with a seperate timing pointer that I assembled with 2 of the mounting bolts from the timing cover. Then the TDC was as "0" degrees.

I checked this with the heads of since I was doing an engine rebuild so I was completely sure that I did it right...