I recently completed a top end rebuild on my 87 T/A 305/TPI...the intake was leaking so i removed it only to break a bolt in the head. After several failed attempts to remove said bolt I gave up and took off the heads...at this point I decided to throw in new lifters, rods, rockers, etc. Rebuild went fine but I accidentally ran over my timing chain cover with the timing tab on it. (I did this in my driveway and my other car was right next to my T/A.) I replaced it with an aftermarket cover with no tab on it...time was an issue. I figured I could get it pretty close by ear but I've always relied on the timing light so I don't think I did enough of a good job. She runs good but she lacks power when I accelerate. She's also got a decent vibration...almost like a misfire.

Do we have any old school tips to setting the timing without marks or lights?

 

You could always buy an aftermarket tab.

 

Old gearheads will tell you to keep bumping it up till it pings when driving in high gear, then back it off a couple degrees. Someitmes you can advance the dist till the idle starts to fall off, then back it off a little.

By todays standards I would get a tab or better yet, the stock TC and set it the proper way.

 

You're absolutely right. I'll probably end up making it worse if I keep messing with. I'll hit u pull n pay and find a stock cover.

Thanks guys.