VW ABA cam timing without a cam cover?

So I popped the head off the lemons race car (VW MKIII ABA) to try my hand at a basic port job. When it came time to put the head back onto the block, I realized that there is no plastic timing cover that has all the pointers to set cam timing. Does anyone have any tips to set cam timing so the valves dont meet the pistons when I put the motor back together? Or does anyone have an ABA that would be kind enough to make some measurements from some other hard point I can use as a reference?

Thanks. 

I thought you'd have an answer from one of the MK3 smart guys by now... I have an ABA or two in the garage. I'll take a quick look at what I have and see if I can assist.

First of all, assume that you know a lot more about these engines than I do. I have not installed one yet. Here's a good timing belt guide: http://faculty.ccp.edu/faculty/dreed/Campingart/jettatech/t-belt/index.htm

I poked around trying to find an easy way. Tell me if this makes sense:

With #1 TDC, set the camshaft so that the exhaust and intake cams have a level surface parallel with the camshaft caps like in these pics.

When I turned it to the next tooth, it was clearly (to my eyes) not aligned.

I think there’s a mark on the flywheel and the cam should have a mark that gets lined up with the edge of the head. I’m sure there’s a method posted on vwvortex if you do some googleing 

TR7 said:

...I realized that there is no plastic timing cover that has all the pointers to set cam timing. ...

 

My posts are assuming that you are missing the plastic pieces with the marks. The engines have a pointer for the crank pulley and cam gear. The distributor and flywheel have marks as well. My 'parts engine' has plastic if you need it.

Thanks AAZCD! The pictures and explanation should do the trick. Appreciate it!

AAZCD said:

TR7 said:

...I realized that there is no plastic timing cover that has all the pointers to set cam timing. ...

 

My posts are assuming that you are missing the plastic pieces with the marks. The engines have a pointer for the crank pulley and cam gear. The distributor and flywheel have marks as well. My 'parts engine' has plastic if you need it.

Were back together and running. Painted new marks for the cam. Thanks again.

In reply to TR7 :

Awesome, glad it worked out.

I saw this thread to late but I think I have a lightly broken plastics timing mark thing in my garage. I should take some detailed pics and measurements for future reference.