I've been reading the forums for awhile now doing work on my old 429 and the amount of info here is second to none. I have a question about the timing set on my 429 though. Maybe the answer to this question is obvious, but is it necessary to be at top dead center to install my new timing set? Being that the crank is keyed and the bottom sprocket slides onto that key it seems like there isnt any reason to be at top dead center when installing the new set, which is the cloyes 9-3122. Am I missing something here? Sometimes my brain don't work so good.

 

both the cam and the crank gears are keyed into position but if you don't have them exactly lined up when you install the chain you most likely won't be correct on your timing. And if your off even a single tooth you COULD make contact with the piston and valve adn destroy your engine.

 

So the reason to have it up at tdc is so I can use the marks on the two gears to get a better alignment? I guess that would definitely be more accurate then just eyeballing it. Thanks a lot!

 

Use the zero slot in the crank gear and line it up to the cam gears dot.

 

oN this particular set it goes 3 ways, retarded factory and advanced, I'm going with the advanced slot, which is the triangle.