Correct L-78 Timing Tab

[Dale O.]

I have searched the archives for and found conflicting discriptions and no photos of the L-78 timing tab. I know just enough to get it wrong. So, I would really appreciate it if one of you guys with an original L-78 would save my bacon and post a photo and/or detailed dimensions of the timing tab. The L-78 I'm restoring had a chome timing cover so I'm not really clear on what to look for in a correct original.
Thanks,
Dale

[Jody B.]

Re: Correct L-78 Timing Tab

Dale,

Here's an original, it has eleven timing marks.

[Dale O.]

Re: Correct L-78 Timing Tab

Jody,

Thanks for the photo.

That will make it much easier to find the correct one. Do you know the length and width of the tab?

Thanks again.
Dale

[Jack H.]

Re: Correct L-78 Timing Tab

If you don't have an original, just cut the reproduction flush with the backing leg/bracket to remove the R (retard) portion of the front scale...

Then, you'll want the actual cover to agree with the configuration of the timing tab you've 'manufactured'. The early BB timing covers lacked the dowel pin alignment holes at the lower/outer sides of the cover and had a lower center hole for oil pan attachment WITH a captive nut. Later replacement covers provided the dowel pin holes and eliminated the captive nut as well as the lower center hole.

What I'm saying is IF you're trying to get full credit for an L78 timing cover and you don't have a real McCoy, then get ALL of the telltale configuration issues covered or don't bother to address just one or two...

[Dale O.]

Re: Correct L-78 Timing Tab

I have found the correct configuration timing cover your talking about Jack. However, it has the angle top and R (66), so I was going to do as you suggest with a reproduction tab. The reproduction tabs with R look wider than the orginal in Jody's photo, so the dimensions would be helpful.

[Jody B.]

Re: Correct L-78 Timing Tab

Dale,

The tab measures 1 5/8 x 5/8.

[Jack H.]

Re: Correct L-78 Timing Tab

No judge is going to pop out a micrometer to take a physical measurement! Jody already told you the tab has eleven timing tick marks. So, what else is there to know???

Here's another picture from the original off my L78 before it was cleaned up and restored...

[Dale O.]

Re: Correct L-78 Timing Tab

Thanks Jody and Jack, I think I'm good to go.