I finally bought a timing light and adjusted the timing on my RS. It was showing it was about 2* or so advanced and I got it back to exactly 0*. I rechecked it after I tighted down the distributor and it was still perfect at 0*. So, just for the hell of it, when I hooked the ESC and battery back up I checked the timing at idle with the ECM involved and it showed it was holding steady at about the 3rd "V". Does this sound normal??? I might replace the knock sensor anyway, but just wanted to ask.

 

IIRC, with the esc hooked up mine was way past the timing marks at idle.

 

it should be about 20* or so at idle.

 

After you shut down and restart it should have quite a bit of timing added in from the ecm on top of the base time.

 

Thanks fellas, I thought it was probably normal, I'm new to the "do it yourself" timing arena, so just thought I'd ask.

 

if it's at the 3rd v that isn't normal. It should be well past any marks.

 

Sooo, I shouldn't even be able to see the marker at idle with the ECM at work?

 

It should be a few inches to the left of the "v's"

 

25th, is your intial timing set at 0* or advanced?

 

If you set it to 0 with the advance disconnected, when you reconnect the wire it should show far left of the "v's." If I had to guess I'de say around 20 degrees advanced, but you won't be able to measure it on the "v's" as it will be a few inches too far to the left. I hope that helps.

 

OK, thanks, I guess something is wrong then, because when I used the light after all was connected the mark was almost at the last "V"....

 

Make sure you unplug the EST and not the ESC. I would go with a few degrees over zero for your base. A few degrees can make a nice difference in throttle responce, and fuel economy.

 

Here is a pic of the timing tab to help you out.

 

did you stand in the engine bay to take that pic ??

 

Pretty much. I actually held the camera over it and geussed. Took a few tries to get it right. That photo still isn't any good though because you cannot read the tab. I however just noticed this.

 

where is the section on adjusting your own timing? Where can you get a timing light?

 

I bought my timing light at Sears for $45 and its a good one. Search for timing and you'll find instructions.

 

Sears if where it is at. You can also find cheaper ones at any auto parts store. There is a good write up on timing linked in the "new to TBI" thread at the top of the page.