Q about starter heat shields

[82 GT]

I know for sure the '94-95's had the mini starter...they may have started in '92 but I'm not positive about that.
It's hard to see the numbers on the balancer...especially after road grime and gunk gets on there.
Buy some timing tape for about $6 and put it on your balancer. It goes all the way around the balancer and the numbers are much easier to read/see(that's what I did).
Yes, you point the light at the balancer. There should be some type of pointer attached to the timing cover.
I would get the mini starter first and see how it starts after that...and then mess with the timing.
So...set the timing at "zero". The spark plug method you're using now should get you in the ballpark.....get a starter(which should cure your problem)...and then set your timing with a light to get it where you want it.
I'm willing to bet anything that your old starter is getting "heat soaked". The mini starter will gve you more space between the exhaust pipes and the starter.