Hello, I own a 1987 Trans Am GTA and have recently swapped to lt1 heads, cam, intake, and tpi parts chip. After putting the harmonic balancer on after installing the timing set, I notice when I rolled #1 cylinder to tdc the timming mark didn't line up with the tab but the valves were in the right position. After I had everything assembled I had it running for about 10 seconds while feathering the gas to keep it running. After it stalled I couldn't get it running again. I have checked the fuel pressure, spark, played with timming, and checked to see if the valves were openning at the right time. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

well i would think it would be impossible to for it not to line up unless you have moved the timing tab... are you using a piston stop to determine TDC? or some other method as just looking at the rockers wont tell you much as they will both be close for almost half a rotation of the crank...

 

I used the piston stop tool to find TDC. The mark on the harmonic balancer was somewere around 90* off if I remember correctly.

 

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then i am betting it was off BTDC as in it hit the stop tool before the piston came to TDC as it should be impossible for it to happen ATDC IE you incorrectly set the depth of the tool