I pull the opti and the cam dowl is at a "1" on the back of the opti (opposite to a "6"). Looking at the front of the block this is the 9 o'clock position. Then when I get to the timing gears they are both at the 12 o'clock position. I dont beleive this is at #1 TDC on the compression stroke. I'll put it back together the orientation I found it but tell me that "1" on the back of the opti doesn't mean its firing on #1. Please.

 

It does mean #1 TDC and everything you said makes it exactly right. You have no problem.

 

Really? Thanks for the reply Shoebox. I have seen too many pics of the timing gears being installed at 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock top/bottom respectively. Is that just to make it easier to line up the dots but @ exhaust stroke TDC?

 

So Cam gear @ 12 o'clock
Crank gear @ 12 o'clock = TDC (compresion stroke) for SBC.


I guess my Pontiac V8 is the other way around, I'll have to pull my old Chiltons.