Best Timing Pointer And What Is A Crank Trigger ?

[427HISS]

I have a 428, stock timing cover and a Innovators West Balancer.

Who's pointer is best and why ?

Second question. What is a crank trigger and why is it used ?

[ntheogen]

A crank trigger is a sensor that tells an ignition system exactly where the piston is in the stroke and when it should fire.

[Falcon67]

Crank trigger is basically a mag pickup that uses a wheel mounted to the front of the crank.  Takes out timing chain vibrations, gear slop and what not.  Distributor just becomes a power distribution point.  Once the distributor is indexed, you leave it alone and can set timing with the pickup on the crank.  Makes for rock solid timing. 

[cjshaker]

^^That has to be the coolest air filter I've ever seen. Obviously a Jack Roush engine. 
Seriously though, nice looking engine, Chris.

As for the timing pointer, I think the factory ones look best. I don't see why one would be better than any other, unless maybe you used an adjustable one, to get the mark, spot on perfect.

[Falcon67]

Thanks LOL - just an expensive hat rack.

What I have done in the past for my other engines is clean and prep the balancer lip, use a degree wheel to set the engine at TDC. Install the timing pointer and put the balancer on the keyway enough to mark the balancer with TDC.  Then install a Moroso timing tape according to the mark.  Coat balancer rim and the tape with 2~3 coats of clear spray and it'll last a long time in service.

[427HISS]

 Well, I thought it's the hat for a blow through carb ? 

(Chris, like your site. Checked out the 9" for the price)

[Falcon67]

Thanks.  The site is begging for an update.  Not enough free time these days.  I will say that running a dragster is a good way to get lessons in tight packaging of support components.

[BattlestarGalactic]

As for the timing pointer, I think the factory ones look best. I don't see why one would be better than any other, unless maybe you used an adjustable one, to get the mark, spot on perfect.

 

Most aftermarket balancers are off.  Mine was like 7*, so I mounted the pointer, then snipped the edge to make the point move to the correct spot.  Looks stock and works fine.

My ATI balancer is well worn after 20+ yrs.  The clear coat is flaking and making the numbers hard to read. I paint sticked the spots I need and leave the rest go.

[C8OZ]

Edit: posted in the wrong place

[fryedaddy]

As for the timing pointer, I think the factory ones look best. I don't see why one would be better than any other, unless maybe you used an adjustable one, to get the mark, spot on perfect.

 

Most aftermarket balancers are off.  Mine was like 7*, so I mounted the pointer, then snipped the edge to make the point move to the correct spot.  Looks stock and works fine.

My ATI balancer is well worn after 20+ yrs.  The clear coat is flaking and making the numbers hard to read. I paint sticked the spots I need and leave the rest go.

how would someone know if their balancer was off a few degree

[blykins]

As for the timing pointer, I think the factory ones look best. I don't see why one would be better than any other, unless maybe you used an adjustable one, to get the mark, spot on perfect.

 

Most aftermarket balancers are off.  Mine was like 7*, so I mounted the pointer, then snipped the edge to make the point move to the correct spot.  Looks stock and works fine.

My ATI balancer is well worn after 20+ yrs.  The clear coat is flaking and making the numbers hard to read. I paint sticked the spots I need and leave the rest go.

how would someone know if their balancer was off a few degree

Check it with a piston stop on assembly. 

ATI's are gonna be off 7°.  Most others are dead on. 

I use an ACME timing pointer, with a timing light built in, torque wrench, and a remote starter. 

Just kidding.......

The factory one is perfect if it lines up correctly.  Otherwise, its only purpose is to just point, and even a piece of wire clothes hanger will do that.

[427HISS]

My new Innovators West looks like great quality. I may call them asking if they've made a pointer for it ?

I assume the crank trigger is mostly suited for racing applications ?

[Falcon67]

Well - the gap between the magnet wheel and the pickup is tight, so might be more prone to damage or interference from road debris.  As far as operation, it's just taking the electronic ignition trigger out of the distributor and putting it on the crank.  With a debris guard of some sort, might be perfectly fine for a occasional driver.