Originally Posted by Cadin

FWIW: As far as a timing pin, I have even used 7/16 oak dowel with great success. The advantage is that it's pretty snug, and you can tap the dowel groove onto the tab inside the ip and get it to stay snug very easily. If it is slightly loose, dunk the dowel in warm water and try again. Bolts and bits work as well, but they are harder to work, and don't deform to match the shape of the IP tab to grab it snugly.

My motor has around ~180k, and she was very close to spot on after using the dowel and at 14-15 atc; before this I had tried to keep everything aligned, and the timing was way off (Shaking, stalling, etc.)

Cheapest solution I've found! (Of course the real tool is nice too!)

Like these fine folk mention as well, the fuel relief spring gets tired with time, and that lowers the lift pump fuel pressure to the IP. I certainly noticed an improvement in take-off response when I adjusted mine, as well as the idle getting a bit smoother.