THE timing thread

[youngmoney]

ive been trying to figure the timing out and ive gotten closer (i think), but im stilled confused. i know how the cams and the timing chain are supposed to line up. both of the front lobes on the cams should be facing outward and the silver links on the timing chain should be aligned with the marks on the sprockets. this seems easy but naturally ive found a way to over complicate the matter. it is seemingly physically impossible to line everything up and for it to look anything like what ive seen in the pictures. i can get the chain on, line everything up but then the intake cams' first lobe is facing directly upward. what am i doing wrong?

i dont have the bolt that holds the idler sprocket on. does anyone know how long it is?

how much do bearing caps or cam fasteners or whatever the technical term for them is cost? where can i find them?

how much slack should be on the lower timing chain? its on but it seems too loose. if it is supposed to have less slack how do i take the excess out?

ive got some pics to show you what i mean hopefully it will help. i would REALLY hate to sell the car because im too retarded to put a damn chain on!

[youngmoney]

never mind i had a mechanic come to my house and figure it out. thanks for all the help....wait