Diesel engines are usually turbocharged and built from components designed for a turbocharged engine, like iron blocks, heavy-duty pistons, etc. Also, diesels tend to burn lean, which means there's more air to expand and create useful work.
The way we do it is to set the timing at 30 degrees total advanced on the No. 1 cylinder, with the engine at a predetermined rpm. We use a timing belt on our engines and know the belt will stretch ...