cam alignment on 2.4L NA
 

I did a search here and on VolvoSpeed and spent 4 hours going through the posts. It seems that everyone has the disassembly/assembly point of view (mark this...align that). I am starting fresh as I have grenaded my entire top end and when dismantled there wasn't a single mark aligning to anything. Actually, I was suprised that I didn't do any damage to the bottom end it went so hard!

I currently have the head off and I do not see any marks on the dampner to align the crank but I obviously can see TDC on #1. Without spending a Gabizillion dollars on a cam alignment tool. Is there a way to effectively align the cams during re-assembly when the engine is at TDC? Are the rear slots to be paralell with the cam cover split or is there a certain amount of retard/advance built into the alignment.

If so, I would love the E-ticket tour... Ohh and pictures/links/fingerpaints/crayon drawings/macaroni art if available. I'm a little slow on intake but once I get it ...I get it.

Thanks!

Feel free to dig me for more info if you need it

RE: cam alignment on 2.4L NA
 

It is pretty hard to do without the tool that goes into the back of the cams.I guess it could be done but will take longer.As long as you have it pretty close you can move it slightly from there.There is the timing marks on the cam gears that should match the plastic cover that goes over them.For the crank the timing mark is in the gear that the belt goes on and the other mark is on the block.
http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ic/ic60326.htm
See if this site will also help at all.