Hey all.....could somebody please post or point me to a web site that shows what marks to align on the crank gear ang cam gear please......I can see the arrow on the cam gear but there isn't one on the crank gear,or do i just align it with the balancer keyway??
Thanks Gav

I'm guessing your referring to a Timing Chain Set and not a Cam Gear Drive - Better look again at that Crank Sprocket there should be a punched "DOT". The Crank Snout Key Way is basically in alignment with the Dampers TDC marking will be located at approx 2 O'Clock with #1 Cylinder at TDC and the DOT in the Crank Sprocket will be pointing Straight Up. Install the Cam Sprocket and timing chain with the "DOTS" on both Sprockets Aligned as if touching each other. This will be TDC on the Exhaust Stroke; so the rotate the engine 360 degrees and check that the Dot on the Crank Sprocket is pointing Straight Up and so should the DOT on the Cam Sprocket. This will be the Compression Stroke with #1 Cylinder at TDC. With #1 at TDC on the Compression Stroke, install the Distributor such that when seated in the Oil Pump Slot the rotor points directly into the back of the Carb as if splitting the engine in two.

If as you say there is NO DOT on the Crank Sprocket (which I've never came across) Ensure that #1 Cylinder is at TDC and install the Cam Sprocket and Chain with the Arrow you see on the Cam Sprocket Pointing Straight Up. This will be #1 Cylinder at TDC on the Compression Stroke then proceed to install the Distributor.

NOTE: Some Crank Sprockets have 3 Key Way Slots. This is for installing the cam: Advanced 4 degrees, Cam Straight Up or Retarded 4 degrees.

Also some Cam Sprocket Sets have Off Set Bushings that fit over the Cam Locating Dowel to position the cam 1/2 a degree in either direction.

If you want to learn about Cam Installation you should invest in a Degree Wheel and play with it for an hour or 2 before you commit yourself just where the heck your going to position the cam. I'm always arguing with Dynamic Stroke and DCR Vs Torque and Octane. I don't concern myself much about top end Hp when installing a cam in a BBC for the Street - LOL

When you drop in your distributor, your rotor should be pointed to the #1 cylinder tower on your cap, not necessarily towards the carburetor. The position of the # 1 cylinder on the cap will vary with the type of distributor. (RE: GM points and HEI are different.)

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii152/tjs69_photos/distributors/HEI2.jpg

Hey TOM don't know about that Diagram you got there for SBC's but I would be putting #1 Plug Wire in the #2 position of that OEM Points CAP. Probably been with a BBC for too long - I miss my 327 ;o(

GM Stock location is for the Rotor is to point directly to the rear of the Carb. When the engine fires by turning the distributor you will note the #1 Plug Wire Position on the Distributor Cap will be pointing in the general direction of #1 Cylinder.

I really don't care but the method above will ensure the Vacuum Pod doesn't interfere with other motor items and Stock Length wires will fit.

I been running a Donovan Cam Gear on my BBC for the last 4 Years. Man what a Piece of Art. You can slip the Cam either way without removing the Timing Cover and it has the most solid Anti-Walk Device I've ever seen for a Retro Roller.

Ron, we had a discussion about this recently. I was WRONG and had the # 1 to the right of the window, and it should be to the left. Here are some Pictures from John Z.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii152/tjs69_photos/distributors/dist2.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii152/tjs69_photos/distributors/dist1.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii152/tjs69_photos/timing/CamTimingDiagram2.jpg

There you Go: DOT to DOT is #6 at Compression TDC and #1 on Exhaust TDC; SO, Rotate the Engine 360 before installing the Distributer ;o)

Can anyone here rev a 283 to 8200 rpm without the main bearings meshing and the Converter on a Torque Fight kinda getting outta shape. I informed my Dad after GM honoured the warrantee that it would not last and he had best trade in his 65 for a new 68 with a 327 4BBL, TH400 and 12 bolt Posi - I was 16, what can I say - He did just that and purchased a 68 CDN 4dr Sedan Strato Chief with a Tow Bar - The whole family loved that Pontiac - I shut down my Buddies 289 Mustang with that ride plus a few Big Blocks and it ran forever until he traded it for a 75 Volvo Waggon - I love the 140 and 240 Volvo's too - ;o)

I built my first engine which was a 54 L Head Straight 6 when I was 12 years old, since then I've lost count but my Engines are built to WIN and Last. I've talk on the phone with Grumpy, Al Sheppard, Atherton, and Al Unser, who didn't have a clue what I was talking about, and flown with Jackie Stewart with Sterling Moss and Graham Hill hot on his tale - I breath it and Love it.

Today, I just putt around with my BBC 70Z and Breganze 750SF - Both will Triple the Speed Limit. I've 3 years University Particle Physics, College Electrical Engineering and a Retired Train Traffic Controller with a Computer Nerd Syndrome; other words, a very SICK Old Dude who has raised 6 Kids whom are the Heart of my Soul .

I cut, raked, farewelled, bailed, barned tons of Alf-Alfa and Mined to pay for the Education that eventually got me where I'm today - Proper-less, Separated and Broke - LOL

GM Stock location is for the Rotor is to point directly to the rear of the Carb. When the engine fires by turning the distributor you will note the #1 Plug Wire Position on the Distributor Cap will be pointing in the general direction of #1 Cylinder. (bold added)
I really don't care but the method above will ensure the Vacuum Pod doesn't interfere with other motor items and Stock Length wires will fit.

Nope. The design orientation of the distributor housing, cap and rotor in the #1 firing position is shown in the photos above. If the #1 wire tower on the cap is aimed at the #1 cylinder, the vacuum advance can would be through the #8 intake manifold runner.

The design orientation places the vacuum advance can midway between the #8 intake runner and the plug wire support as shown in the photos, the dwell adjust window pointing straight ahead, and the #1 wire tower with correct indexing is the one immediately clockwise from the adjust window.

:beers:

John, I believe he's referring to a MK IV BBC so I was using it as an example.