Hi All

Hope someone can educate me on how to install the timing chain and the position of the dots?

I have been reading up on the install of the dots and some say dot on cam at 12 o'clock and dot on crank 12 o'clock.

others say dot on cam at 6 o'clock and dot on crank 12 o'clock.

some say does not matter if dots are both at 12 or cam dot at 6 and crank at 12 as long as the distributor is installed at TDC on the #1 cylinder.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance

Mike

Is there a shop or service manual for this vehicle?  I'd believe the book before yielding to the confusing Internet advice you are getting.  If you have no reason to believe that the chain has slipped a tooth on the cam or timing gear, simply install the chain and put the timing gear back on the same way it is arranged now.  Take pictures first and then install things exactly the same way.

Rick

Timing gears are Installed with the timing marks (dot)...At 12 o'clock on the crankshaft...6 o'clock on the cam gear...If everything is aligned correctly...the Mark's will line up directly in line with each other....If you have any doubt...After installing the timing set...Pull the engine through by hand before installing the cover...After you pull the engine through one complete revolution at the cam...The timing Mark's will line back up...12 O'clock on the crankshaft...6 O'clock on the camshaft...

Some cam gears have 3 key ways...4 degrees retard...0 degrees..(straight up)...4 degrees advance... If that is the case...Set the cam straight up...0 degrees...

TLBT..

Edited May 18, 20242 yr by TWO LANE BLACK TOP
No edit just hit the wrong button

Thank you for the quick responses. I know it is only a 301, but i am trying to keep it stock. I've been told it makes a great boat anchor  but for me it ran for 40 years so why not just keep it going.

There is nothing wrong with the 301. It's biggest problem is the utter lack of aftermarket support for this engine and it's 265 brother. They are a smaller deck height, fewer crank counter weights, and less webbing strength make it a motor everyone shies away from - especially for performance builds. Pontiac did this to save weight in the lates 70s/early 80s to make a more efficient/smog friendly motor. That said, for a stock rebuild and cruising, it is a fine motor. I had a 301 in my '78 Buick LeSabre Custom.

Edited May 17, 20242 yr by Frosty

Agree with Frosty....As long as hits on all 8 cylinders there is nothing inherently wrong with the Pontiac 301CID engine...Plus it is a Trans Am with an Actual Pontiac engine...Instead of the corporate 305 (LG4) Chevrolet engine...

Or a corporate small block 403 c.i.Oldsmobile.

Thanks for the responses.

 

I will let you all know when i get to it and install it and get it running.

These forums have been great, especially for someone like me who has never done this before but trying to attempt it myself.

 

you all are the best. 😁