Timing mark/timing tab

Bring it up to TDC on the compression stroke of #1 & see where you're at.

You may have to fabricate a timing pointer. Here is a simple one that a friend fabricated for one of my engines.

Have you measured the diameter or the thickness of your balancer?

Some stock timing tabs are at the 12 o'clock position. You can move the timing tab to read from the side 3 o'clock . There is a few things you need to re-index your balancer. Piston stop, timing tab, and a marker. Install 8in timing tab. Remove spark plug from cylinder #1. Install piston stop. Rotate crank by hand over counter clockwise until it stops. Mark the balancer using the 0 degree mark on timing tab. Rotate crank by hand clockwise until it stops. Mark the balancer using the same 0 degree mark. Now exactly half of the distance between these two marks is TDC. Move balancer to mark the new 0 degree mark. Should be everything you need to convert over. You will want to look over the balancer to make sure it in good shape. If the balancer has slipped your new TDC mark may move. If that is the case replace the balancer.

Forgot to mention it's best to remove the battery cables before starting this procedure. If the starter is used to crank the engine over. Major damage can and will happen with the piston stop installed. This is why you will want to move the crank by hand using hand tools.

I did exactly what 1981Regal wrote when I swapped engines, but with 1 more step.

If you want the new mark to be readable in the future, cut a small groove with a hacksaw at your mark, similar to how the original mark is cut into the damper.