Hello to Everyone! Did my first replacement of Timing Belt following instructions I found from Mr. Frederick Su. I only have a bit of doubt, due to my naivete, so here are my thoughts: Car started right up as its usual, but since this is my first time I am wondering what if I was off just a bit in all of the alignment dots on cam, intermediate and crank? Would there be obvious symptoms? I double checked alignment of cam to crank with upper cover not yet installed and marks appear to be where I set them...Just wondering if I did a good job??? Seems to drive and accelerate well..
Thank you so much for any opinions!

It's ok to have the first-time jitters doing something like that! If you made sure the engine was in correct position before doing the timing and you made sure everything was still aligned when you put it all back together; you have successfully done a timing belt r&r. Don't forget to recheck belt tension in 500 miles. A simple way to do it in the future: Get it to TDC on #1, loosen the tension, cut the old belt to the half way cut and then peel the cut section away. Then start sliding the new belt on with the marks aligned. And then cut the remaining part of the old belt and slide the new belt the rest of the way. Finally, get good tension on the belt, retighten and reinstall.

Thank you Keizer! Would it run really noticeably bad if I was off?
Is there another way without having to remove all those parts and loosen the AC and ALT?
How do I ensure I am at TDC?
Thank you!

if it runs right don't sweat the dots.....put a timing light on it...is it good...yer done check nuts and boots. torques as necessary

Yes, I was going to check the timing with my light! Thanks!

You're a riot, Paul.
--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

"I am going to buy a Volkswagen or a foreign car."

You needn't be worried. If it fired right up and ran as it should -- you did a good job. Do pay attention to the belt tension after some mile--500 as suggested. It's a simple operation done from outside the timing cover with the plug removed. You'll remember from the installation the tensioner is spring loaded. I think the socket size is 17mm. Loosen the tensioner and then with a socket or wrench on the front crankshaft pulley rotate the motor (in direction of normal operation) about 15 degrees -- you are taking all the slack out of the TB on the long run from the camshaft to crankshaft -- and putting it on the tensioner side which takes it up automatically with the spring pressure. Tighten the locking nut and you're done. -- Dave

OOPS! Had heard to loosen and retighten when the engine is running!!! Only did that once, but not on this one! Thank you, I will monitor the miles for the tension and do as you say! Thank you!

Frederick's book is even better than the step-by-step. :)

Ahhhh! Thank you ART, I was considering it as well!