My timing setup sucks the way it was rigged the marks only go to 8 on the timing chain cover, I have a basic timing light so I can only set timing at idle @ 3000 rpms I lose my marks, If I use timing tape on the balancer can I still use my timing marks on the cover.

Yes as long as you line up the tdc marks on the tape with the marks on the dampner

  So if I do that the TDC mark on the timing chain cover is good to go, easy as that   

Just be sure to index "true TDC" and go 0 to 0

x2

Just be sure to index "true TDC" and go 0 to 0...Also the tape needs to be the right length for the math to work. I normally use a cut off tool to grind "hash" marks into the balancer..What can I say? I'm a cheap focker.

GT

I agree, you only really need one mark, depending on what total timing you want to run.  36 degrees is particularly easy to find.  Measure the circumference of the balancer and divide by 10 (full circumference is 360 degrees). 

Be careful to be accurate, and as mentioned, it does rely on TDC having been properly indexed.  I rebuilt one forced induction engine that had the timing mark off by 6 degrees.