318 identification....

[BBQPorkins]

I bought this car a few months ago. 66 Charger. No one knows much about the engine other than it's a 318. I'm in the process of timing and I'm a little confused if the tab is in the right spot. Check out the photos and let me know it's a little confusing

 

[BeepBeepRR]

Wrong link

 

[BeepBeepRR]

This page shows the timing marks to be on the driver side and made into the timing cover. Not a metal tab welded.

http://www.crazysmopar.com/mycar_camblog.html

 

[Ron H]

Are you referring to the timing indicator plate/location?

 

[BBQPorkins]

Are you referring to the timing indicator plate/location?

Yes sir. Does it matter overall? For one I cant find anything referencing a welded tab most of them are casted into the cover.

 

[beanhead]

Consider getting a piston stop and finding true TDC for #1 firing, and then see what lines up with what. Then you'll know for sure where you're '0' mark is and can go from there.

 

[BeepBeepRR]

 

[jimt1971rr]

The timing indicator in the op's picture shows the location of a 60's 318. The indicator is bolted onto the water pump on the passenger side. The later picture posted by beepbeepRR shows a later design. Not sure when it switched.

 

[Ron H]

The timing indicator in the op's picture shows the location of a 60's 318. The indicator is bolted onto the water pump on the passenger side. The later picture posted by beepbeepRR shows a later design. Not sure when it switched.

Correct I believe - my 318 is poly and indicator bolts on. OP says he has a '66 so not sure if it would be later or a poly...my guess is poly.

 

[BBQPorkins]

Correct I believe - my 318 is poly and indicator bolts on. OP says he has a '66 so not sure if it would be later or a poly...my guess is poly.

Could it be a poly timing cover with later heads? I included a pic of the head and they are not poly heads for sure.

 

[WileERobby]

Consider getting a piston stop and finding true TDC for #1 firing, and then see what lines up with what. Then you'll know for sure where you're '0' mark is and can go from there.

This. It doesn't matter where your timing indicator is, if it's not lined up with true TDC.

 

[YY1]

I want to say 1969 was the change in LA timing cover indicator location but I'm sure someone else knows for sure.

OP's pic is for sure NOT a poly, and therefore not the original engine in a 1966 Charger...not that it really matters.

 

[Ron H]

Could it be a poly timing cover with later heads? I included a pic of the head and they are not poly heads for sure.

Yep - can't mistake poly heads...right around 66 poly's ended. I had to obtain a new timing cover for my poly and from what I gathered if memory serves, the later teen's cover was not a fit so located a poly cover to replace it. Don't know if it's possible some 66 cars had poly's or LA's depending on prod dates or not - stranger things have happened.