OK. Well that's important. If timing is far off it can put significant heat into the cylinder walls while still operating. (This was done on purpose at idle during the early emissions reduction years). Your car is a street car so timing has to be set for heat soaked conditions (unlike drag racing). Regardless, many of the other tools suggested I think are distractions. But a timing light, tach, and timing tape are essential. You can buy a timing light with tach display and dial back and skip the seperate tach and timing tape. Not quite as accurate but will be functional. Make sure you look at the arrow on the inductive clamp when setting up.
