just an FYI - lining up dist / oil pump

Long story short, my clutch slipped while i had the dist out and the car in gear. Chevy and an ind. mechanic each wanted about $250 to completely reset the timing. It drove OK once it started (SES light on), but i didnt want to chance driving it a ways (or spend $250!)

Reset everything to TDC but couldn't seem to get the dist to line up right. Every spot I tried was off by a tooth or 2 in either direction. I got a little intuitive and realized that with a LONG flat blade screwdriver, inserted in the dist shaft, i could spin the dist receiver on the oil pump (It spins pretty freely). Took about 30 mins of guessing and checking until i got it positioned where the dist went in on the right tooth, but it worked.

To set the dist right this is first step.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=51302

Then after you get it started and running the camshaft retard needs to be set with a good engine capable scanner.

A good repair shop should not charge more than a hr labor set dist and check and set camshaft retard.

This might help too:

http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss58/cwhook/43LVortecFinding1TDC.jpg

I found it easier to set the distributor where it should go. Then turn the crank a bit and the distributor will fall the rest of the way into the into the oil pump.