1996-2001 explorer

[Concrete]

Hello, Ive installed a blue print crate 347, switched to 96-01 explorer serpentine system. One thing I didn’t catch was a timing pointer on the timing cover. Curious on what others are doing. is a crankshaft sensor bracket act as a timing pointer? Thanks

 

[Teal68]

Yes, and you can remove the sensor from it if you like if you are going with a carb.

 

[Concrete]

Ok so that will be at that at the 11 o’clock position?

 

[BtheFelix]

I just finished mine and used the stock crank sensor bracket without the sensor. I got a piston stop TDC tool and trimming tape from summit to set new marks at 11 o’clock on my stock 351w balancer.

 

[toddz69]

Ok so that will be at that at the 11 o’clock position?

Yes. That's how mine is. Bolted on with the wires snipped from it.

Todd Z.

 

[DirtDonk]

As BtheFelix was saying (thanks for chiming in finally!), timing-tape is your friend.
You find exact TDC for your engine, use whatever pointer is handy, whether the Explorer or one of your own making, then put the tape so the mark lines up with zero in a convenient and easy to see location. Good from then on...
But you have to know where you're starting from.

Paul