I'm getting ready to install my cam into my 1994 LT1. The heads are still off, and of course the lifters and all are out.

My confusion is that I'm worried that I won't get my crankshaft and cam in the proper registration at TDC.

After I remove the crankshaft sprocket and install the new gear aligned to the keyway, do I just install and rotate the cam sprocket straight up dot on top of dot at No.1 TDC?

I figure I can use the dial indicator to find exact TDC on No.1 cylinder, but I'm afraid without lifters or heads I won't know what is intake or exhaust stroke.

What is the proper procedure to make sure everything gets installed correctly?
Am I making any sense here?

 

Here's a good write-up: http://afrashteh.com/guide/install.htm

 

If I am understanding you correctly...yes, you just line it the cam sprocket and the crank sprocket so that the dots are in line / facing each other.

 

YEP dot to dot.

 

Since this is a cam install thread... I have a similar problem. I just installed mine, but when I took off the hub and removed the old cam, I didn't pay any attention to the position of anything before I removed it. So now, I just have a cam in place and I don't know what the position of anything is. Where can I go from here to make sure my timing won't be off or anything?

 

Install dot to dot and all will be back in place. The crank sprocket dot should be straight up at 12:00 and the cam should be at 6:00 straight down.

 

Easy enough. Wasn't sure if the actual position of the crank and cam mattered or not.
Thanks

 

The dowel on the Cam and the keyway in the crank will ensure that when the dots align evreything is in the correct location.