Does anyone know the difference in degrees between the newer balancers with the TDC mark near the top and the older style with the TDC mark near the 2 o clock position? I kind of need an exact answer for timing purposes using a dial back timing light.

 

The best thing to do is get a piston stop and find TDC exactly with the pointer you've got. You can use the advance timing light and work from there.

The aftermarket damper and tab I got for the 396 were 3 degrees off.

 

That might be difficult because I have a 2 o clock pointer and a 12 oclockish balancer I was just trying to get it close enough to drive for now , I think I got it about 38 deg. or so

 

"sofakingdom" had rattled off that # before, more of like "and you'll be about this far off, so better get it matched up right", rather than "set your timing light to ____ to get it perfect".

It was around 40* though.

 

It is not at all difficult. In fact, that should make it easier because there won't be any marks in the 2 o'clock position.

 

Thats what I did thanks I scribed a new mark at TDC. I was planning on changing the balancer but I may as well just use this one now that it is scribed at exactlt TDC thanks