Rb20det timing Problem

[Project_RaceBreed]

Please help. I have an rb20det silver top and i cant get the damn timing set this is my first rb so i dont understand how to get the CAS set or any other shit. I have the cams at thier appropriate timing marks, The asshole i got the motor from didnt include the lower timing cover so i dont have a mark to line my crank up with. I just dont understand how to set the CAS. I just need some detailed help about how to get it all lined up and In time, Detailed Pics would be awsome. If any one can help, id be very greatfull. Thanks

[Z U L8R]

u need to get yourself a lower cover and the CAS can only go on one way.

once you get the cas on try to center all the 3 bolt holes for the cas so the cas is in the middle. the car should run if your valve timing ( timing belt) is correct. you have no reference for 0 without the lower cover so whether you use a regular timing light or one that advances you have nothing to verify any mark on the harmonic balancer to.......

i wouldn't even recommend no lower cover. no upper cover, fine, i've done it with no problem. but no lower cover's just not a good idea. if you have no luck finding one i'll see if i have one laying around the shop i can sell ya.

anywho once you get it all together and running, go for a couple test drives and if it feels uber sluggish adjust it slightly, then continue the test drive till it feels good throughout the powerband with no hint of detonation (sounds like little pebbles in a tin can)

hope that helps, gl
Dave =]

[aNskY]

or you can just rent a timing light and make it perfect

[Project_RaceBreed]

Thanks Z-U-Later, i have a friend that im gonna borrow a lower cover from til i can get one. Ill work on it this week end.

[MELLO*SOS]

or you can just rent a timing light and make it perfect

Without a lower timing cover, a timing light is worthless. BTW no auto part stores I know of rent/lend timing lights. Every DIY wrencher should buy a timing light for their garage anyway.

To the OP I would buy a lower cover second hand, you're just asking for trouble trying to time it or run it without the lower cover. If you really want to mess with it, you could set it to TDC #1 then mark the oil pump somehow exactly where the 1st (leftmost) mark on the crank pulley, that would be zero BTDC. Then the marks are 5 deg each. If you have a M/T ECU you need 15' btdc, A/T ecu requires 20' btdc. To time it, get it warm, disconnect the TPS, connect your timing light to the pickup loop near the ignitor then aim the light at the crank pulley.. Loosen the CAS and spin it until you're at the 15/20 mark then tighten everything down....

Just get a lower cover and stop joking around.