Are all timing pointers for a 5.0 the same?

Guys this may sound totally stupid but the original motor I picked up for the swap way back when, had a cracked block so I had pulled a bunch of parts off of it so I could just get a new block and build it. It was from an 88 lincoln.

I then found the 91 motor complete for way less than a build would cost. I pulled all the "stuff" off the new motor to power clean and paint it. When I went to put the motor together with the new C/H/I (basically all new uppper components) I just grabbed the cleanest timing pointer and installed it.

I was not even thinking that they might be different. With the weird timing issues I am having I am wondering if it could be that simple?

Thanks. I had TDC set when I put the cam in, but just never thought about the pointer as being a possible issue until I could hear my dad in my head saying "the most simple explanation is usually a good place to start".

I will see if I can find the other pointer in the spart parts box to see if they are the same. If not... Plan B... find a 91 5.0 Mustang pointer????

I found the other timing pointer LATE LATE last night in... of course the last possible box in storage. They are identical. I screwed a pressure tester into the #1 plug hole and hand turned the motor. TDC occured at 10* BTDC. I should be fine there.

I have an extensive checklist that a fellow forum member supplied and I will just have to work my way thru it this weekend. Got to get the Vert running good soon... so I can enjoy the summer in Ford muscle style.

I am using the original balancer, but the motor came from a vehicle with less than 60,000 miles on it so I highly doubt the balancer has slipped. Thanks for the idea though.