How to set timing on a 2.8
#1
How to set timing on a 2.8
I am trying to set my timing on a 87 firebird with a 2.8. I disconnected the tan wire on the firewall. According to the decal under the hood it should be set at 10 btdc. After the 10 on the decal it has two letters DR. It looks like this 10(DR). What does that mean?
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Car: 1984 Pontiac Firebird S/E
Engine: Pontiac 2.8 L V6
Transmission: Automatic 4spd
Axle/Gears: Stock
Re: How to set timing on a 2.8
From guessing I think in drive it should be 10 over on the balancer? idk just a guess.
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Car: 1991 Camaro RS
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Transmission: ATI pro th350 sfi case. TSI 5500 st
Axle/Gears: Strange S60 4:10s
Re: How to set timing on a 2.8
I would think that DR is degrees though
#4
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Re: How to set timing on a 2.8
Pretty much what he said, set base timing to 10* below top dead center with EST unplugged, then plug back in the EST and you're done. As for DR, I would also guess that it stands for degrees, but regardless of what the DR stands for, that is the timing spec/procedure.
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Car: 1987 Chevrolet Camaro
Engine: 2.8L V6 MPFI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt
Re: How to set timing on a 2.8
Warm the car up, turn the car off. Disconnect the EST by pass connector should be upper left above the blower housing. Loosen distributor hold down bolt (ratchet, extension, 15mm, and a universal is what I do) then start car. Point timing light at the timing tab your looking for 10 degrees BTDC (I usually go for 11-12 because when I tighten it moves slightly to ten). Then tighten the bolt, reconnect connector.
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Car: 1991 Camaro RS
Engine: BBC 509 Merlin ii 9.6:1 pump gas
Transmission: ATI pro th350 sfi case. TSI 5500 st
Axle/Gears: Strange S60 4:10s
Re: How to set timing on a 2.8
I've never done it this way. Am I wrong for this...because this is the first time I've heard it that way. I've heard of the idle relearn being done with the tires chucked in drive but not for setting base timing.
I just have it warmed up, turn it off, disconnect the esc wire, start it up in park, do what I need to to set it where I want it, then shut the car off, pull the ecm fuse, reconnect the esc wire, put the ecm fuse back in, then fire her her up and let it idle relearn.
I just have it warmed up, turn it off, disconnect the esc wire, start it up in park, do what I need to to set it where I want it, then shut the car off, pull the ecm fuse, reconnect the esc wire, put the ecm fuse back in, then fire her her up and let it idle relearn.
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Car: 89 RS 89 iroc 87 firebird
Engine: 3.1 Turbo/ 355 twin turbo
Transmission: a4 w/ 4500 stall/ a4 / t5
Axle/Gears: strange s60 /w 3:42's
Re: How to set timing on a 2.8
yeah i never do it with the car in gear, though if ur car idles high it may help accuracy just a tad if its in gear to bring the rpms down but i wouldnt do it without osmone in the car on the brakes
edit btw
setting the timing in gear came from the days of carbed cars with vacum advance/mechanical advance distributors, setting the timing in gear prevented the mechanical advance from advancing the timing while trying to set it
edit btw
setting the timing in gear came from the days of carbed cars with vacum advance/mechanical advance distributors, setting the timing in gear prevented the mechanical advance from advancing the timing while trying to set it
Last edited by project89; 06-25-2013 at 03:42 PM.
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Car: 1989 Camaro
Engine: 2.8
Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
Re: How to set timing on a 2.8
My 89 Camaro 5 speed came with no distributor assembly so I need to do this from scratch. Can someone please give me advice on how to set it?!? I've already bought an oem distributor but need help on setting timing.
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Car: 1984 Camaro
Engine: V6 2.8
Transmission: 700r4
Re: How to set timing on a 2.8
Pretty much what he said, set base timing to 10* below top dead center with EST unplugged, then plug back in the EST and you're done. As for DR, I would also guess that it stands for degrees, but regardless of what the DR stands for, that is the timing spec/procedure.
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