Drac0nic

OK, I am curious if I am chasing gremlins here, my timing seems higher to me than I think it should be for the engine to be running well. Since I've got an L03 short block, not 100% on the timing cover and balancer. I'm wanting to ask you folks for some pics of this if you have them. Based on what I've read, there's 3 different positions for the pointer to be at on an SBC, one at the top then the others in the vicinity of 1:30 and 2:00 if I remember correctly. Anyone got pics of the balancers that show timing marks compared to the key ways?

Twin_Turbo

iTrader: (25)

There's the 12 o clock position and the 2 o clock or thereabouts, the difference in the latter is that early balancers have the degree mark at about 2 deg. before the keyway and later ones 10 deg. The aftermarket chrome pointers all seem to be for a 10 deg. setup and will give probs if running with a pre 69 balancer. Best way is to get a top dead center stop and determine actual TDC that way.

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

If the timing cover doesn't have the timing pointer at the 12 o'clock position it is not stock. If you want to bypass all the investigative work, buy a slip on balancer cover(6 3/4) that will set it up for a two o'clock timing mark and buy a timing pointer that bolts the timing cover. You can buy both for less than twenty dollars. Timing would then only be off if the inner and outer parts of the balancer had started to slip. That usually doesn't occer for many many miles, really high heat exposure or really high rpm.

Drac0nic

There are actually 3, I found out that I have a 40 degree balancer and a 20 degree. My timing is about 20 degrees retarded, Gonna be interesting readjusting my tune....