my buddy has a 87 Monte Carlo SS (that means it has the L69 HO 305 - carb'd). Now, i kinda need to know real quick how to set the timing - is it a CC dist. like on my L03 or is it vacum advance? In either case, what will I need to disconnect to set timging correctly? I assume it should be warmed up and in drive (brake on, naturally)... any help is greatly appreciated!!!

 

It's very hard to check timing with your foot on the brake. Thats why you should do it in park. I've only heard you are supposed to be in gear when setting the idle speed.

 

$1/2.68,

Sorry, but we don't know nuthin' about no Monte Carlos. But, since you asked nicely...

You should be able to set the timing with the engine idling at normal curb idle in NEUTRAL or PARK. No need to set it in gear as you would the curb idle speed. However, your Monte should have an active ESC system, and therefore needs to be placed in bypass mode to set the base timing correctly. This is accomplished on your car by disconnecting the 4-wire flat connector at the distributor. Because of the EST, there should be no mechanical or vacuum advance. The specified base timing and idle speed should be on the VECI label.

 

Thank you Vader. The only reason I posted it here at thirdgen.org is because A) its a chevy man! and B) it shares the same powerplant as the older Z's and T/A's.
Are you sure not to set it in gear though? Chiltons specifies my L03 should be in gear when setting the timing (if i remember right its been a while...).

It just hit me... I got a Chiltons for 82-92 f-bodies... Monte Carlo SS has same 305 as older Z's and T/A's... hrm...

Thank you!

 

Yeah, disconnect the 4-wire connector and set it to what the sticker says, which is like 4° or 6° or some such... then when you get through puking during the test drive, set it to where the car runs the best.

 

LMAO! O.K. I'm awake now RB.

$1/2.68,

According to my manuals, the 1987 VIN "H" engine should be set at 0° BTDC with the engine at the 500 RPM idle speed and the 4-wire distributor connector unplugged. Rather than adjusting with the trans in DRIVE and an assistant holding the brake, just back the idle down to the spec, set the timing, then reset the idle speed. You'll probably have to disable (unplug) the idle solenoid to set the idle that low.

And as RB so wisely put it, keep your distributor wrench and timing light handy. Vehicles for delivery in Canada and other exports got 4° BTDC, and if you use decent fuel you should be able to get at least 6° with no problems, probably more.

 

Just my sick sense of humor. lol

 

$1/2.68,

BTW - Did you tell your buddy about all the easy/free/cheap mods he can do with the 'H' engine to get the most from it? There's a fairly good list in the Tech Articles section.

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92RS,

Good eye. I didn't catch that until you pointed it out. I must be slipping...

 

He doesn't have the H motor, he has a MC SS.... the G motor. They didn't detune that one much from the factory as bad as they did the lowly H.