Timing a vortec motor- please help
 

Here is the situation,

I have a vortec motor from a 98 tahoe that I am converting to carburetor and no computer stuff.

The harmonic balancer only has one groove on it and the timing cover has no timing tab like the old motors.

When I get it back in the truck, how do I get it timed, other than bringing up no 1 under compression and dropping in the distributor.

Do the distributors from summit need another dist gear? I know i need a "melonized" gear or a gear for the roller cam.

Any suggestions on timing are much appreciated.

Re: Timing a vortec motor- please help
 

Get an adustable timing pointer. They bolt on using two timing cover bolts. Since you already have a balancer, and probably don't have the bucks for a degreed one, get either timing tape or a balancer cover that is degreed.

Best way to find TDC so you can set the pointer is with a degree wheel and a piston stop.

Re: Timing a vortec motor- please help
 

tell me more about the degreed cover, the vortec has a different looking timing chain cover.

Re: Timing a vortec motor- please help
 

I installed a 96 vortec motor a few years ago in a 72 C-10 and ended up putting on an old style metal timing chain cover with degree marker. As I recall, the vortec cover was a composite material and had some kind of crank trigger port at the bottom. This on it's own was going to be a possible problem. There also may be a clearance problem with the vortec cover and the short water pump.

Re: Timing a vortec motor- please help
 

Balancer cover, not timing cover. Like this one
http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...=KeywordSearch

And this is an adjustable timing pointer
http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...=KeywordSearch

Re: Timing a vortec motor- please help
 

thanks for the links, great information.

did you use a timing cover for like a older 350 (up through 1985)?