I just converted a friends 87 SS to TPI, and 88-92 SERPENTINE setup. The problem is I forgot about that center mounted tab on the stock timing cover. When it came to setting the timing, I couldn't see the timing mark, because of the serepentine assembly. I'm accustomed to installing a FLUID DAMPER unit with a fluid damper pointer, along with a newe cam, but this time I wasn't doing a cam swap with the conversion, so I totally forgot about the STOCK CENTERED TIMING TAB. Can I just simply install a side timing pointer, and set the initial timing? RSVP anyone. Thanks to all

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88 Monte SS 355 TPI/LT-4 HOT CAM/AFR Hydra-rev/ T-56 6-Speed/1-3/4" full length headers/3" X-PIPE assembly/ 8.5" G-80 rear with 3.73 gears.
http://community.webshots.com/user/ssynergy
www.y-t-g.com/88monte

You can install the side timing pointer but if you kept the old balancer, the timing will be retarded X number of degrees.

The solution is:

A. get the right balancer (from a TPI car)

B. Re-mark the current balancer.

Thanks BRENT, I figured the first answer was my best solution. Thanks again buddy. I will just have the owner get a new TPI unit with pointer.

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88 Monte SS 355 TPI/LT-4 HOT CAM/AFR Hydra-rev/ T-56 6-Speed/1-3/4" full length headers/3" X-PIPE assembly/ 8.5" G-80 rear with 3.73 gears.
http://community.webshots.com/user/ssynergy
www.y-t-g.com/88monte

Go buy some timing tape and place it on the balencer and make it correct for your timing tab.

A black felt works too ... for cheap guys like me who would be too pissed off to change the balancer.

;-)

Mark.

my crate engine came with the center timing tab, i put it in my 89 L98 with the serp. belt, its a pain in the *** for me to see the timing tab, but if i look around enough i can see it to time my car so i know its not impossible.