I'm needing a timing tab or pointer for a small block Olds engine. It mounts to the front cover above the harmonic balancer. I don't know if there were differences from year to year, by the engine is a '76 350 going into a '72 Cutlass. I can buy a repop pointer from ILT for $20 but prefer a used one (not been very happy with some of their parts in the past). Here's a pic:

 

I am not sure when they changed them but I have one of the 70-72 style I can send you for $15 shipped. PM me your email address and I can send you a picture.

 

pm sent

 

It's going to matter as to what distributor you are going to use. An early (points) pointer stops at 14° and won't work with an HEI. The HEI pointers go to 26°.
They are the same for BBO and SBO.

 

I bought one - thanks for the quick replies!

 

But the HEI ones would be from a newer, 74+ car right?

Do they bolt correctly in? What I'm asking is, would 14* on both the HEI and the original style be in the same location?

 

The only differences are that the HEI pointer is plastic instead of metal and that it is longer for the extended range needed. The degrees are in the same location as they never changed the harmonic balancer.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

aaaaahhh.... never?
almost.
'64 330 has RH timing marks and 1 or 2 different tabs to match.
Outside of that, many engines were produced with a very small diameter balancer lacking a rubberized outer ring which serves to damp out harmonic vibrations. Mainly 2-bbl versions of the 330, and lower than usual output versions of the 307.

As for the HEI higher-degree plastic timing scales... there are two types.
One for smaller diameter hub w/o harmonic damper ring
One for larger dia. true damper type configuration.

They can be told apart to an extent by the scale, but I find the curvy support rib an easier method.

Sorry, no access to parts/ pix at this time.

 

I know about the '64 being different, but that really doesn't apply here as he has a '72. The guys that have '64 stuff know what they are dealing with and wouldn't make the mistake of trying to sell one to someone that has something other than a '64.

My opinion, and we all know how that goes.

EDIT: OK so stay away from the 260 if you need a timing pointer as that one uses a smaller diameter balancer. (I didn't realize this when I posted the first time).

 

Have you found your pointer? Will one from a 74 350 help? If so, I have it.

 

It would work if he still needs it.

 

I bought one - thanks for all the informative replies!

 

Pic? PM me a price shipped to 01581.

I have an HEI distributor in my 72, and if this is right for the distributor, which it should be, I wouldn't mind.

 

Not sure, I can tell you 74 is points dist, my 75 is hei. I will compare & get back to you

 

Svnt 442 says it' ll work

 

Also, where'd you find it?

 

If you have installed an HEI in your 72 you will need a pointer from 75 up (not from a 260) to have the extra range. If you recurve the HEI so the advance works like the points then any pointer will work.

 

Thanks for the information. I wouldn't know how to properly re curve the distributor. I'll keep my eyes out for a 75+ timing tab. It's more of a, "If i can find one cheap, I'll put it on, cause it should have it with the HEI".

 

Well you really do need the longer tab unless you have a dial back timing light because the HEI initial needs to be set to 18° - 20° instead of the 8° - 10° of a points distributor.