can't seem to keep the thing tight.....after a day or two i go out to start the car and my timing is off again? any suggestions?

 

inspect your hold down screw, and bracket, maybe even try running a tap of the same size down through the screw hole in the intake. If that dont work, try some semi permanent thread locker.

 

I second that. also, The hold down clip has a curve to it, It is suppose to be installed a certain way I believe. I cant rememeber which way though and my car is in 2000 pieces so I cant go check. Try turning yours upside down and see how it grips the lip on the shaft.