Timing marks on sbc conversion Options

[Dunc]

Two questions:

1. how do you time a sbc conversion when the timing marks are hidden?

2. what's the verdict on cutting an access in the firewall to get access to the water pump and timing marks?

Thanks.

[DickSteinkamp]

I made a pointer...

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-20876-1572492636.1.jpg)

...and attached it to an oil pan stud

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-20876-1572492636.2.jpg)

I got #1 to TDC and marked the flywheel where it lines up with the pointer.

I set initial advance using a dial back timing light.

Of course you have to time it from under the car (not much fun with the engine running) and if you don't have a helper to turn the dizzy you get a lot of exercise.


I'd be interested to hear what others have done.


(PS...how did you get a SBC into the car with the OE water pump in place without cutting the firewall?)