baseline (static) timing on 84 1.5 liter ?

[CCchallenged]

I am new to Hondas,had the 84 civic given to me. Nice lady owner said 'the timing belt must be bad'. I have pulled the upper timing cover off,and the belt seems to be in OK shape. How does one put the crank at No. 1 TDC to ensure the timing is accurate from crank to cam ? Is there a mark on the crank behind the pullies ? I would like to fix this without pulling the head off.( I know older small block chevy very well, but not a lick about a honda) I know the cam is off timing with the crank but am unsure of how to put it at the right place. ANY help would be great ! Next; can this engine be hotrodded for a reasonable amount of cash ? thank you to anyone who responds.....

[cvcc_wagon]

i usually use the wire down the no. 1 spark plug hole method on my second gen motor, on the newer motor there might be a mark somewhere. i know on my motor there is a timing mark on the flywheel and a little window to see it but i'm not sure if the third gen motors have that

[lxndr]

There is a TDC mark on the crank pulley located about an inch clockwise of the timing marks.

Most people looking for performance usually swap this motor out. There are very few performance parts available for the these motors, so you'll be fabricating most of your own parts.