how important is it that the spacer goes back in place behind the timing cover? ive got a double roller on now and the spacer just isnt going to fit. ive also got a 95 hub that i bought a little while back. i recall reading that i can install the 95 hub and leave the spacer off. is that correct? also, ive currently got the engine out of the car. what is the best way to get the hub on. i can get it on only so far with the bolt before the crank starts turning. i was thinking about tapping (lightly) it on with a hammer. is this okay?

 

It's not a spacer. It is the reluctor for the crank position sensor. It won't work without it. Perhaps you can have that programmed out, so it won't cause a SES.

 

ah, already programmed out. i switched to obd I
lol, sorry for the retarded question. i'm still learning this stuff.
thanx shoebox.

 

Don't tap on the hub directly, I use 20-22 mm long socket put inside the hub, obviosly without the bolt and tap on the socket. When pushed comfortably enough you can put the bolt in and tight, you can prevent the crank from turning by using a large pipe wrench on the hub.
There is a dedicated tool to install a sbc type balancer that might work better.