Kind of a weird question but was wondering which bracket, cover or whatever, the little metal timing pointer is supposed to be connected to for a 1985 TPI L98 engine.

When looking past the alternator down to the harmonic balancer to perform a normal timing check, there is no timing pointer that I can see.

The story behind this ride is that a lady ran into a gaurd rail around Atlanta. It was in the body shop for 6-8 months and the very day she drove it home, it slung and rod and the man I bought this car from, purchased a brand new out-of-the-crate Vette short-block and had it installed but with all of the old peripherals on it.

The point to this tirade is, that since the peripherals were all put back on the engine, I'm guessing the timing bracket/pointer/thingy was broken off and now I don't have it to check my timing. I am wondering if I would have to remove a bracket or cover or whatever it's mounted to and spot weld another on or what.
I would also appreciate input on how the little pointer should be aligned, when it is put back in place.

With under 20K miles on the short-block, and as good a shape as this one's in, it's hard to believe that I was fortuante enough to pay under half of what it's worth to own it.

The Lord is truly good, isn't HE??

thanks for any input,

85_TPI
Byron, Ga.

 

The pointer is part of the timing cover.

 

Bogus is correct... The timing marker should be spot welded 90 degress to the front face of the timing cover. I have a '86 L98 and that's how it is secured. Most likley easier to just replace timing cover, there is nothing else to SCREW it to! -Bob

 

Sometimes they're just dirty. Here's mine on my 90 L98. Maybe ya just need to get in there with a toothbrush wet with degreaser and scrub it clean.

Here's a distant shot..


And a closer shot..


Hope this helps,

Dave

 

Aftermarket pointers are available, but they need to fit in a rather tight area. They bolt on using the timing cover bolts. You also need to be able to find TDC to set it up correctly.

 

Just wanted everyone to know how amazed and pleased that I still am because of how Kewl this forum is!!

I haven't been using it too long, but don't know what I would do, if I didn't have this resource to help me find answers to my questions. I know the answers would come a lot slower, that's for sure.

I'd also like to pass along kudos to skateparkdave for actually providing the cool photos that removed all doubt about my initial question.

Thanks to all of you who have made this forum possible and to all the guys in the trenches, who: have the cars, do the work and are generous enough to the rest of us to make our lives with the Vette, a lot more enjoyable and painless.

You guys are great!!

Now does anyone have a timing cover they're willing to get rid of...

85_TPI

 

I wouldn't replace the whole timing cover, just go to a speed shop and get a Mr. Gasket (or any brand) bolt on timing tab. These work just fine. If you notice, most of the chrome front covers come with a bolt on tab. They bolt to the second and third from the bottom timing cover bolts. You will not have to remove the balancer which is a BIG plus. Just my .02 but it's the way I would do it.

 

Thanks, Midnight. That may be the path I end up choosing...

 

Your very welcome. I'm glad it helped. It always helps me to see pics so I try to use them when possible to help others.

This forum is awesome. Bunch of great people with great cars. Vette owners are in a class by themselves. I personally believe that the good Lord only blesses people of certain positive qualities with the means to obtain a Corvette. I'm sure like everthing, there are a few bad apples, but for the most part, especially here in the CF, these Vette owners are a great bunch of folks. I love this forum.