SETTING CAM TIMING?????

I am at the point in my restoration of a 1965 911s engine and I have questions I am hoping someone out there can help. I am doing the cam timing on my engine. Specs recommend for my engine (.197-.213 or ideal .205") The problem is that I feel there are too many variables that can altar this precise reading. For example, I am well aware of the procedure, but if you dont get the notch on the pulley dead nuts on the case half, your reading although within specs is almost impossible to get that desirable .205" consistantly. Is there a better way or a trick other than patience. I feel the goal of .205" is very difficult to attain and maintain when you have less precise markings (pulley, case halfs etc.). Am I being too picky? If anyone that has done this, they will know that any little movement of the pulley during alignment, although within the boundaries of the notch,will get a different reading making it fustrating because you can have a variation of .001"-.007" and still be at TDC. Would the breaking in of my timing chains alter this adjustment since it so difficult to acquire or should I adjust to the tight end of the tolerance (.197"-.213") to allow for break in?? thanks

THE KEY TO GETTING A CONSISTENT AND TRUE READING IS INSURING THAT THE CHAINS ARE TIGHT WHEN ADJUSTING. THERE ARE A VARITY OF WAYS TO WEDGE OR CLAMP ONTO THE SPROCKET ARM TO TENSION THE CHAIN TO REMOVE ALL SLACK. WHEN TURNING THE ENGINE, NEVER REVERSE IF YOU GO PAST THE TDC MARK. CONTINUE WITH ANOTHER TWO REVOLUTIONS TILL THE MARK COMES AROUND AGAIN. THEN CHECK YOUR VALVE LIFT. I'VE HEARD AND READ THAT ADJUSTING TO THE CENTER SPEC ALLOWS FOR SOME WEAR. MOST IMPORTANT IS ADJUSTING BOTH SIDES TO AN IDENTICAL READING.

thanks fred for your reply. I was aware of the crank rotation but I didnt apply outside tension other than the use of the existing tensioners. Will that be a problem. Also, the left side shows .205" and the right side shows .206". This is the reading I get continuously with stock tensioners installed and where I believe the center of the TDC mark itself is. I cant seem to get the rioght side at .205". Do you think this will do. I feel this proceedure is going to leave me thinking "was it right". HATE THAT

Don't worry about that last 0.001" ... I'm sure it won't make any difference! I was going to suggest that you get one of those American-made hotrodder's/engine builder's cam timing wheels that bolt onto the end of the crankshaft. The one I have is made by Crane Cams, but there are many different ones available. You have to have the rear engine mount 'assembly' removed, and a longer 12 mm crank bolt and spacer is needed, too, but if you already have the timing matched within 0.001" side to side, it would be a waste of time trying to get it closer!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa