2000GTFOOL

Well I had several requests for the method I used to set the timing on my car. So I decided to go ahead and do that while I had time...

I am not going to outline the removal of the front cover and Valve covers they are self explanitory, plus the manuals are pretty self clear on this procedure, UNLIKE the timing instructions.. The example shown is the 99-04 GT engine. I am also going to bypass the timing chain guides and tensioners install as I have already outlined that in a previous post..

STEP 1)- Before you remove the front cover or anything set the crank keywayto 12 o'clock, This is done via turning the crank until the keyway is facing straight up. You will see this in the picture...
STEP 2)- Once that is done, remove the timing chain tensioners on both sides, and the crank position gear.
STEP 3)- Remove the chains from both sides (passenger side first for painfully obvious reasons)
STEP 4)- You probably saw the camgear springout of place... Don't worry we will fix that in a minute.
STEP 5)- Take the chain and "fold it in half" mark the two odd links.. ( I had 28 per side plus the two odd ones made 58 total)
STEP 6)- Do step 5 to the other chain
STEP 7)- Take some whiteout or a paint pen (the one you used to mark the chain) and mark the cam gear on the two timing marks *they are a smallhole or a line that is closest to the teeth* check the pictures for a visual
STEP 8)- Mark the lower set of gears (on the crank) in the same fashion. *refer to pictures*
STEP 9)-Line up therear chain with the mark on the lower gears, and then put a 3/8 ratchet extension in the center of the cam gear and use the ratchet to line the mark on the cam up with the mark on the other end of the chain.
STEP 10)- Repeat step 9 for the other chain...
STEP 11)- Re-install the timing chain tesnioners, and the crank position sensorand you are done.......

****************WARNINGS and DISCLAIMER************************

This is how I did it.. Is it the best way? I don't know.. But it worked and it took virtually no time... Don't sue me.. I have no money...

DO NOT MOVE THE CRANK AT ANY TIME AFTER YOU HAVE REMOVED THE CHAINS... OR YOU WILL HAVE DAMAGED VALVES AND PISTONS....

Make sure you count the links on each side before you try and start it back up.. it need to be the same number on both sides.... That is about it...

REFER TO THE PICTURES FOR MORE CLARIFICATION... ENJOY!!!

[IMG]local://upfiles/57395/FEBAFCE470574AB2A2E6C0AE189DCC18.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/57395/DFC5A479A437466EAFE9FA7179F53FB7.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/57395/342A728539344BD2920EFEC3E7990B17.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/57395/3F4AAC91A34949C18E9563E5BD54339C.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/57395/826870ECA3E041BEB45C8822780B4FE0.jpg[/IMG]

oxfordgt

You forgot to tell them the driveside chain goes on the rear lower gear. That 3/8 ratchet only works on those silly pressed on gears but you can just use a socket on the bolt ons.

2000GTFOOL

True... Passenger side is infront, Drivers side chain is the rear... Thanks for clarifying OXford...

72MachOne99GT

Bump or Sticky?
I know I'll use it, along with the 4-5 other write ups I've seen. lol

2000GTFOOL

Pictures are worth 1000 words when it comes to getting this right.. especially due to the fact that these modular engines seem to be different in so many ways..

1fstblckgt

Good write up, thanks for taking the time.

Sticky.

Sxynerd

Good write up. Thanks.

98SN95

What does he mean when he says the links need to be the same amount on each side before you start the motor???

Nitti00GT

Good write up man. Yeah it was a breeze to time my car. I was suprised, I thought it was going to take a long *** time.

Sxynerd

Hold the chain at one point and let it hang. Grab the opposite side. Then to be sure, count the links on either side to be sure there are the exact amount on both sides.