V6 timing - here we go again!!

[kaiser]

There are no good reasons for timing tools at all, as the indication on the rear sprockets is very clear and very accurate, provided the marks are made correctly by the factory!.
As I have said, there are different ways to time a car, and not only one holy grail. The timing marks are the factory's best shot at the optimum, in their book.

Even that will be a toss up between performance, consumption, power and torque.

Once that "optimum" is found/determined/established/agreed upon!!, you would be ill advised not to mark that position, and even Rover would not make an exception here, is my firm belief.

Now, as some say, there are three different tools available. How do you know your tool is right? and also right for this application?
And where are the pictures? I don't believe for a moment that anyone could go through this and not document what transpired after all this arguing! I certainly would not!

I will always go with the marks on any modern engine, they are made in the manufacturing process, and not inscribed, punched, filed by the engine builder like in days of old. Failing that, I would measure lift, TDC and time according to established rules and sound practice, and then tune for whatever was my primary desire.
But failing that, I will go with the marks. They should be very accurate unless somebody has lost a screw somewhere in the process!