Hello, I am curious if anyone can clarify something for me. I am going to rebuild a 3.8, I heard for this motor, to set timing you have to get the #2 piston to TDC instead of the #1. Is that true? Please let me know, thanks for your time.

 

Are you asking about the timing chain installation?

 

Yes, just want to make sure I set timing right. I never heard setting timing based off number two cylinder but I heard that’s the case for the 3.8L. Is that true, or should I go with the #1 cylinder TDC like every other car?

 

Never heard of using #2 cylinder for timing.

Follow this diagram for the 3.8L engine and you don't even have to know which cylinder to choose.

 

I know about that diagram, that is to set TDC. So in a built motor, that should place the #1 cylinder at TDC. I have a bare motor right now. So when I put on the timing components I have to make sure the correct cylinder is at TDC. I can’t find anything in the s device manual I have. My gut says it’s the #1 like every other motor. But wanted to verify so I don’t bend a rod or anything like that

 

When that arrow on the crank is pointing up, #1 will always be at the top. Follow the diagram and it will automatically be correct.

 

Also most engines will benefit from extra low end torque if you advance the cam in relation to the crank and opposite causes more higher end. Look into an offset of 2* Advance and talk to a local mechanic. Might need a different timing set to do that though or in the olden days we did it with the dowel pin on the cam gear hole drilled oversize with an oversized and offset bushing installed to achieve this.

 

ok that makes it easy. Let’s see how this goes. Thanks for the info