I blew the head gasket on my 89 22r-e.

Ive got it torn apart down to the head bolts being broken loose, but not yet removed. My question has to do with timing. I have the cam sprocket off and distributor out. Will it really be that difficult to get the timing back to stock upon reassembly?

I ordered the headgasket, head bolts, and valve cover gasket from LCEngineering.com.

Are there any more pointers you guys have for me?

From what I have read here now is a good time to check out the condition of the timing chain tensioner.

Yeah while you are this far into it you really should replace all of the timing chain components. I will save you the headache later. Look down toward the crank shaft inside the timing cover with a flashlight, chances are very likely that the driver side guide is broken, and the chain is groving the timing cover there. After that, making sure the timing is correct isn't too tough just have to pay attention when you assemble it that everything is lined up at TDC. Usually people don't get the distributer on the right tooth the first time and have to realign it a couple times. I've found the trick is to start with the contact at 12:00 and when you put it in it will rotate to the #1 cylinder. Good luck

BY ALL MEANS replace all timing components while you are that close. It will require just a bit more dis assembly, but worth it. I have done several timing chain break jobs and that means pulling the pan to go fishing for components, take your time, do it right and it is not too hard. Good luck on your learning experience. Brad

Honestly, if you haven't ever done this type of thing before I would reccommend doing the research before hand. Since, you're in there. It should say in the maintenance manual how to set the timing back. It is easy to mess up so be careful. Good luck.

IMHO, if you haven't attempted this type of thing before I would recommend doing the research before hand. Since you're in there I can tell you that my maintenance manual tells you how to set the timing. Be careful, whatever you do because if you're off, it will run like crap.