Ok so i bought a complete engine from a local builder. For what its worth its a carb converted 98 vortec 5.7. I noticed that with the exception of one engraved slit it doesn't have any timing indications on the balancer or a timing indication tab. Should they b there? Is there a special way to time these 2nd gen sbc's without a timing tab?

 

1. It's a Gen 1 sbc. It's not a Gen 2 sbc at all. The cylinder heads are the final products of the LT1 program, but they're Gen 1 heads on a Gen 1 block.

2. EFI engines use a computer to control timing, so all you do is set base timing. Thats why there are no marks.

3. Your options are A) Timing tape, B) Dial-back timing light, C) New harmonic damper with the full markings on it.

 

I would add D) adjust it to where the engine runs its best.

No "number" you're going to pluck from thin air somewhere, and then apply to that engine however carefully with marks, lights, tape, and whatever else, is going to be any more "right" for that engine, than what the ENGINE "thinks" is "right". Which it will tell you, by running "right".

Don't outsmart yourself about some "number". Never forget:

"If it RUNS good, it IS good".

 

Ok so say i buy the timing tape, how do i know what location on the balancer to apply it?

 

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+to+apply+timing+tape

 

Lol thanks. Would the scribed line on my balancer be the tdc mark?

 

^This^
I have no idea where the timing is on the 98 Vortec that's now in the car. It runs like a striped ape, about as good as the LG4 did with the 100 shot, and it doesn't ping on 87 octane. What more could I ask!
The timing will get fine tuned when I can take it to the strip. The 1/4 mile timers are a little more precise than my butt-o-meter

 

It should be, as long as there's only one line. I like to mark the timing tab pointer if it's not clear which is the "0" mark so you can see it better with the light.

Truth be told there's some merit to sofa's method... Im not a big fan of "doing it by ear", but if you get it to run right and it doesnt ping or overheat you should be fine. Fine tuning it will mean track time.

 

With the factory stuff, you dont set timing. You use an expensive diagnostic tool to set the distributor. It has to be within two degrees or will miss. The ecm takes care of the rest.

You can set your base timing with a vacuum gauge but you then have to limit your total timing. How will you know your total timing without appropriate marks and a light? You cant always feel pinging.