Can you set the timing on an s14 without a timing light or marks on the crank pulley?

[filluptieu]

Sorry if this is a dumb question however I do need some help.

So I piece together an s14 motor from scratch and not sure if the pulley that is on there is off an s14. I am very familiar with setting the factory timing by using a timing light however when I try to do this with this motor the mark never lines up. I have done this before on other SR's without an issue, so I do not believe its user error.

Is there another method to use other then a timing light and the notch on the crank?

[Kingtal0n]

ignition timing? cam timing?

distributor? cam angle sensor?

Ill go with sr20, cam sensor, ignition timing:
1. face lobes of camshaft cylinder number 1 outward (dots 10 and 12:30 the usual)
2. verify piston 1 TDC (put something in the hole to detect tdc, lobes facing outward should do the trick, slightly pointed upwards 2*~)
3. install CAS like you normally would

that gets it started at least. You really need to mark true TDC on your crankshaft once you find it though for timing purposes, and it needs to be on the money.

[filluptieu]

Ignition timing as the car is running to get idle and power correct

[smoked240]

No.1 piston at TDC. Camshaft at correct timing marks. Then you can adjust dizzy or cam sensor by ear if your good. Take it for a cruise and advance/retard per feel. How it was done before computers.
Not the best option but it works. Usually start out dead center on cam sensor(dizzy too) and go from there.