Hey there I recently changed my timing chain on my 1988 gta 5.7 tpi and in the process I replaced the factory timing cover with a new chrome one since the old one was rotten and the timing tab was almost destroyed thanks to its previous owner. Problem is, on the new timing cover there was no timing tab. On the old one, the timing tab was bolted in the cover but with the new one, the only holes I see are the ones retaining the timing seal and cover (the ten small bolts with about 10 foot pound of torque) My question is: is there a timing tab I could buy and just bolt on one of the 10 small bolts? If so, could one of you send me a link to it? If not, what are my options? My engine is pinking probably due to advanced timing. Thanks a lot for your help.


Bandit out

 

You can buy a simple bolt on adjustable timing tab. Bolting it on is simple but to figure out where to adjust it to, you need to use a degree wheel and a piston stop to figure out exactly where TDC is. Once the #1 piston is positioned to exactly TDC, you adjust the pointer to the line on the dampener.

Slapping on any kind of timing pointer without knowing exactly where TDC is will work but the number you set your timing to will just be a guess. Timing by ear will work but is highly inaccurate.

 

So youre telling me there is no aftermarket timing tab that I can simply bolt on the timing cover bolts? Sounds like a lot of work, I'm not sure I know enough yet.

 

Sure there is but there's no accuracy. Even with an OEM pointer, it's not 100% accurate.

You can bolt one of these on, set the timing and hope it's accurate enough
http://www.jegs.com/i/Trans+Dapt/969/4960/10002/-1

You can bolt one of these on, degree the pointer as I mentioned above and know exactly what the timing is.
http://www.jegs.com/i/Mr.+Gasket/720/4598/10002/-1

 

Sure. They're sold by Mr. Gasket, Spectre and others. You need one for a 6-3/4" balancer.

My expeience is they are +-2* if the balancer is in good shape (outer ring hasn't slipped).

 

u don't need a degree wheel.lol just remove no.1 spark plug and insert a piece of wire and turn the engine over by hand til it stops,now mark a line on your harmonic balancer with chalk,then rotate engine the opposite direction til stops,make another mark. then split the difference and make another mark. that should be tdc. Your distributor rotor should be pointing to no.1 position too now.then bolt on the new timing tab lining it's 0 mark to the center line u made on the harmonic balancer.this method is foolproof especially if the balancer ring has slipped in the past!

 

so this one will do the trick right? I can live with +- 2 degrees

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/SB-CHEVY-CHRO...0a675c&vxp=mtr

 

One last question, While doing my timing, should the engine be on park on drive? Do I need to rev up the engine?

 

No, that's for an 8" balancer you need one for the smaller 6-3/4" balancer your L98 uses. Hold on and I'll get a link.....

 

Here you go...

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mr...make/chevrolet

 

what do u mean doing your timing? u mean setting the timing after the timing tab is installed? If thats what u mean , then yes, you should be in park, with the est connector disconnected. No revving it up.