I've been driving a long time with my trooper timed by ear (don't think I'm good at it either). Anyway I wanted to try and make some marking to try and recreate the timing tab. If anyone has or would take a picture of the tab closeup that would be freaking awesome! If you could try and get the bolt holes in the picture too that would help. Thanks

It is a 60* GM engine. I would strongly bet there is an aftermarket part from either the V6 or 90* V8 world that would be a direct replacement.

IIRC, it is only a pointer and the markings are on the harmonic balancer. Set the engine to TDC on #1 and make something that points to 0*.

Good Luck,
Michael

The degree marks are on the part which is bolted to the timing cover.

There's probably a lot of 2.8 S-10's in your local wrecking yard, and any TBI model '87 and newer would have the same timing cover with timing scale attached.

HTH.........ed

Hey Ed long time! I actually have been checking out the local salvage yards and haven't had any luck. If I do find a compatible motor, the yards usually don't want to sell me the tab, they want to keep it with motor. Thats why I was just going to try and wing it. At least I'll know I'm in the ballpark of in time. I also looked on ebay for some after market ones and the only engine in the world seems to be a 350.... I swear there is soo much more stuff for that damn engine! Oh well, I think I will be able to mark TDC, but I really just need to know about how fare over from TDC I need to go, it should be 6* advanced correct? If I can't get a picture an estimate on length from TDC will do. Thanks guys!

Nick, if you're still looking for a timing cover, there's an '87 S-10 2.8 timing cover on eBay right now.

Here's the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320270818603