Forgive me if I already asked this question, but... My 327 Chev has the old-school smaller balancer (maybe 7" or so). I replaced the beat-up timing cover when I did the cam and purchased a new-school timing tab, which does not work for multiple reasons. I have a piston stop and can locate physical TDC - does anyone know of a robust solution for getting an indicator tab on this set-up? Thanks in advance~
get an old timing cover that's in better shape? But to be more helpful....which tab did you buy? and what are the issues?
I used one if these timing pointers on my Gen I crate motor. It mounts on timing cover bolts. The diameter of your balancer determines which of numerous part number choices to use. https://www.moroso.com/timing-pointer60100/ I purchased one of these balancer covers to give degree marks to 60 degrees: https://www.proformparts.com/balance-covers It's like a timing tape, but won't fly off.
Unless you really want a timing tab thats Neg 6 4 2 O 2, 4,6,8,10 exc avc , Just find tdc , with your stop , you will probably be plus or Minus 2 degs , Use a single wire / pointer off cover In relationship to mark on balancer, & use a adjustable Timing light, Another option !! Once you establish TDC , you can mark Balancer and a pointer Any where around the 360 deg , as A reference to zero and the time and light that is adjustable,, Time mark and reading does not have to be on Driver Side , It can be anywhere you want, It's just a reference point of Zero tdc !!! when it comes to distributor cap You can use any of 8 poles as #1 as long as follow correct fireing order after #1 TDC Piston Is establish
Did you match your aftermarket timing tab up with the one on the old cover? Meaning that you should be able to hold it up to the old cover and match up the correct bolt holes and see how close it lines up. Also are you positive that the damper didn't slip on the hub?
You are using the stop correctly, correct? Not just rolling it up to the stop? Rotate around to the stop, mark the balancer at your pointer. Rotate around the opposite direction to the stop. Mark the balancer at the pointer. Half way in between is tdc.
A 1966-67 327 Chev with factory balancer (will measure exact diameter tonight), new timing chain cover with no timing tab attached like the original cover did.
Ordered 2 of these, including GM part #3991435 (which is supposed to fit a 6 .75" balancer), and both don't fit - diameter too large & sticks out too far.
Forget about using the factory balancer with a bolt on tab, it won't work. The factory balancer is 6" in diameter with the outer ring being about 9/16" thick, only the short welded on tab will work with this. You're going to have to either use the stock timing cover with the stock balancer or get a later model balancer with the bolt on tab to match it.
I have just used timing tape on the balancer and marked TDC by making a pointer that bolts on a couple mounting bolts and points to 0 at TDC. But, a stock cover is the cleanest way. But, not sure they make a timing tape for a 6” balancer?
After new tab is installed, or maybe before it is welded, it might make sense to get the balancer at TDC to determine the accuracy of the tab.
The Jalopy Journal
