Timing cover for AMC 232

I'm not sure about the timing marker but it should bolt up just fine. If you are still unsure about it just post an ad in the wanted section. There are plenty of guys pulling 232s out of their cars to make room for V8s. Somebody will have one and for much cheaper than new. I'd also call NAPA and see if they can get one specifically for a 71 Hornet.

I appreciate everyone's input.  I purchased a new timing cover from Quadratec.  As you noted, the timing pointer is off so I'm going to look into purchasing a new harmonic balancer with a timing mark aligned for this cover.  I found a new harmonic balancer for the AMC 232/258 with a timing mark that seems to be aligned for the later timing covers.  The balancer is similar to my old one, but with the tick mark pointing in a different direction at TDC.  I don't have the cover yet, but the mark seems to align with the TDC mark on the new cover.  


Edited by Hornet_1971 - Dec/17/2009 at 5:04pm

Hi all...this is many years after your original post so I hope there is still info that will help me. I have the same issue with my 74 232. My machinist is trying to set timing but the cover timing marks do not match the TDC. I found a new 11 bolt hole cover for a 258 that states the cover fits, but the old cover is a 9 hole cover. We bought several harmonic balancers but the timing marks all line up at about the 1:30 position on a clock, but the scale of the timing marks on the old are the 1030 location and the timing mark doesn't have a scale or marks to line up on. How did you resolve this? Do you have manufacturer names or where I can find the parts.  

The extra holes were added in 74 when accessory mounts changed. Sounds like you actually have a 73 engine, not a 74. On the sixes there is a code number stamped in the block just in front of the distributor near #3 spark plug, right where the block and head meet. It will be three numbers, a letter, then two numbers. The first number is the year code. That started in 1959 with a "1" as 1959, consecutive up to 9 (2 = 1960, no zero used), then repeats with 1 in 1968. So a 73 built engine would be 6, 74 7. You have to know the year range an engine type was built for the years to make much sense, but the letter is the engine size, so designates type. In your case it should be an E (1V carb) or G (2V).

The engine plant went by CALENDAR year, not model year. The code as well as changes to engines. So if you have a 74 model car it could very well have a 73 style timing cover. Timing mark location changed in 74 with the cover change. The marks on the balancer also had to change to correlate with the cover marks. Balancers interchange, covers should also. The 74 change added some bolts and changed sizes of some, but should seal against the block -- use washers with the smaller bolts. I haven't done that myself, but others reportedly have.

You could have a 74 style balancer and a 73 and earlier style timing cover, or your balancer could have slipped. For now I'd just set #1 to TDC and mark the balancer. You can then measure the distance between the original marks on the balancer and transfer them or use a timing tape. Local speed shops might have a tape.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/MSD-8985-Timing-Tapes,5433.html?sku=5478985&utm_medium=CSEGoogle&utm_source=CSE&utm_campaign=CSEGOOGLE&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoLe8mLGM2gIVXrbACh2SKAYBEAQYAyABEgJwYPD_BwE


Honestly, I always set "by ear". Get it close, test drive up a hill with a good pull on the engine, and if it pings turn down a little and try again. Pings sooner/more? Too high, turn back down a little. Stops pinging? You're good. "Down" is the direction that the idle slows when running. This gets you the most timing for the fuel and conditions. That said, change those and you might have to bump timing one way or the other. Easy to do, just keep a wrench for the hold-down nut with you. Do this on a cold/cool day and you will likely have to adjust down a little on a hot day. Once you're there you're good though. You want to run as much timing as you can for best performance and economy. Still keep that wrench with you, if traveling and you change altitude a lot you might need to bump down, and different areas use different gasoline blends now, and that can affect timing.

Great info and it did the trick...thank you ll so much