so bought a new cover but the timing marks are on the side, the stock cover they are tact on the center how is the timing supose to work then?
im a bit confused and i dont know how to explan this other then hoping you understand what im getting at heres some pics

 

those timing covers are for two different size harmonic balancers.

 

you'd need to run an aftermarket balancer or just reuse the stock cover and balancer. I "suppose" you could draw another line on the balancer once you marked TDC on the old cover and balancer, but that's kinda hackish.

 

They look about the same size...keep in mind that the seal is still in the old one...

 

they are the same covers its just missing the seal on the new one, the onything thing that is diff is where the timing marks are and this is wht is confusing i bought this on sumit and even serched under the make model engine ect... i mean it works but how can i set my timing thats the part that seems confusing

 

Bam! Pegged it!

 

Bam! your wrong! they are the same i havent install a new seal on the new cover yet and if you read my post youll understand why dealing with the timing and seeing if anyone has any ideas for what to do or if i can jsut run this cover liek i said be for it came up for my make model engine ect so i fured it would work but i got it and compared the two and i dont see how i can advice or retard my timing i dont thing the stock blacer will show up on the new timing marks?

 

If you think those covers are the same why are you asking us?
timing marks are in different locations and its dependant on whether you are using a 6.75" or 8" balancer.

 

you can either remark the balancer you have as suggested above or get the correct balancer for that timing cover, or get the correct timing cover to go with the balancer you have. It seems most aftermarket timing covers with pointers come with that configuration since it's far more common.

 

before you tell people they're wrong try to understand what they are trying to tell you, the cover is the same size, it will fit any gen1 chevy small block big block and a lot of v6's, the difference with timing pointers is what size harmonic balancer they are made for, most cheap crome timing covers come with that configuration since it is far more common, however your car has a smaller 6.75" balancer as opposed to the far more common 8in balancer, so the timing pointer is in the wrong place. Other aftermarket timing covers come with seperate timing pointers that are held on by 2 of the bolts that hold the timing cover on and allow for you to position it as nessicary.

 

If it doesn't cause other fitment problems I would go with an 8 inch torsional damper.

 

I don't even use timing marks anymore. I just put my finger in the #1 spark plug hole and bump the motor till it blows my finger off. Then I drop my distrbutor and make number 1 wire whatever post the rotor is pointing at. Always works for me.