I just got (most of the way) done rebuilding the engine in my 2002 LS (new crank, new cam, rod & main bearings etc.) I was hoping to have a few questions answered that after multiple hours and countless Google searches have not been able answer (or at least I couldn't find them if they were)

Question 1) When setting the mechanical timing (under the timing cover) why am I supposed to have cylinder 4 at TDC? Shouldn't it be cylinder 1?

Question 2) After setting the mechanical timing should I get cylinder 1 to TDC before I drop the distributor in or should I just set the distributor to cylinder 4?


Question 3) Does anyone know what size woodruff key I need for the harmonic balancer etc.? In my infinite wisdom I forgot to take the old key out of the old crank....

Thanks in advance.

 

(bump) Please guys I really need some answers.

 

1) Because that is what the spec calls for.

2) Follow the directions laid out in the EDI engine timing thread found in the Tech Article section. The harmonic balancer needs to be installed to get the proper crank rotation prior to dropping the distributor down in. Final distributor timing is set using a scan tool to monitor CMP Retard.

3) Best to just go to the dealer parts counter and get the proper key. It shouldn't be more than a $15. All the references I could find show the standard dimension keys stopping at '97 applications for some reason... The standard dims were 3/16 x 3/4 for the timing set gear and 3/16 x 1-3/8 for the balancer. I'm not sure if things changed in '98 to metric spec keys though so use that information with a grain of salt.