OK, first off year ago I pulled the worn out 305 c.i 4 bbl out of my 86' T/A decomputized the whole engine and went back with a 350 crate motor. I have always had good service out of this new engine but one little critical thing has acted up from time to time....my distributor moves some time due to my intake (cant tighten it too much aluminum) and I used an aftermarket timing chain cover so when I try to set the timing it always seems to run like crap. Is there another way to set the time NOT using a timing light???

 

Post up a pic of this "too much aluminum" keeping you from tightening. Generally a shorter bolt or adding washers will solve such problems. The aftermarket timing cover is fine, just get one of those cheap chrome bolt-on timing tabs. Just don't try a 6.75" version with an 8" damper or vice-versa.

 

What is moving ; the dist itself?
If you cant lock the dist down you will never get timing correct, regardless how you set it ( with or without light )
PERIOD

 

I have an Edlebrock Proformer aluminum intake. I have broken the back of the intake off once before by tightening the dist bolt too much. If I set the distributor it will stay for a couple months but I have to end up tightening the bolt up again. Bolt on timing tabs? the aftermarket cover I have now has a tab welded to it but I dont think it is accurate.

 

The hole can be drilled and tapped deeper if necessary. Remove the manifold first. Then use red Loctite and a lock-washer. As for tab accuracy, easy to test that with a screw-in piston stop.