Okay, I've got a '97 vortec short block (OE roller). I had a problem with a double row timing set, but now I got my new, single roller timing set and it looks like the ticket. Thanks to all who helped with that one.

NOW, I've got an issue that may be an issue or I may just be anal. I swapped out the stock vortec cam for a Howards 208/214 roller designed for OE blocks (not retrofit). I am placing the cam sprocket / chain on, and I can't seem to get the "dots" to line up perfectly. They are only a couple mm off, but it concerns me! If I move over one more link on the chain, they are WAY off, so I know that's not right. And yes, I'm using the "straight up" keyway on the 3 keyway crank sprocket. Is the little bit of difference because the cam is factory advanced 4 degrees? Should I worry? Or just bolt her on and continue with the build?

Thanks for your help on a saturday night!

Make sure you are using the straight up keyway and its proper corresponding mark. In other words, if the straight up key has a 0 above it, use the mark that looks like 0, not a triangle or square.

tom

Yep, I'm running off the O mark. I just ran out and measured the difference, and, basing my measurements off the center of each mark (crank and cam sprocket), they are about .09 off. Would this just be that 4 degrees advanced?

Thanks!

For the straight up mark, the keyway on the crank should be pointing at 1# cylinder and the marks should line up perfectly.

tom

Hey Tom,

Just went and took a fifteenth look. I've got it now! I think what was going on is that I had the crank just a little bit off centerline and was getting my panties in a bind over a little misalignment. I snugged up the cam bolts, spun 'er around a couple times, and what do you know? It aligns perfectly! (like it did from the start, I was just too dense to catch my mistake). Thanks for your help!