I left the dot on the cam sprocket at 6:00 and the crank sprocket at 12:00 when I put the timing chain cover on according to Chilton’s. But my LT1/LT4 rebuild book said to rotate the timing chain until BOTH the cam and crank sprocket dot is at 12:00. This will put the opti pin at 9:00 for the opti-install. Can I just turn the crank to put the opti pin wherever I need it? I don't want to take the timing chain cover off again, it was a PITA the first time. Keep in mind I have a vented opti or does this matters?

 

You can just turn the opti rotor until it's in the right position to go onto the shaft, can't you?

 

you installed the chain correctly. "dot to dot" as they say

 

yup.

 

Just turn the opti drive until it points at the "6" and install it. You did nothing wrong and you will be fine. After you line the dots up and get the sprocket tightened down, you can turn the engine in any position you want. As long as you put the special slot of the opti onto the dowel (no matter where it is) your timing will be perfect.

 

12 o'clock and 12 o'clock will set #1 at TDC on its compression stroke (and #6 TDC on its exhasut stroke).
12 o'clock and 6 o'clock will set #6 at TDC on its compression stroke (and #1 TDC on its exhasut stroke).
Both #1 and #6 are at TDC either way BUT, one is at its compression (and ignition) stroke while the other is on its exhaust stroke. This is determined by the camshaft only, the bottom end doesn't know the difference. You could install the timing sprockets 180* off and it doesn't matter, even if its not the same as when you removed it (ie. you could change a compression stroke into an exhaust stroke with no ill effects).
THE IMPORTANT PART IS TO INSTALL THE OPTI CORRECTLY.
Hope that helps, later Wing.

 

Thanks guys. After putting on the timing chain cover, a new opti, and tighten the bolts on the oil pan, I realized I forgot to put the dang reluctor ring back on. D'oh. Newbie mistake.