I noticed this after I had to take the distributor out. I set the base timing at 1* advanced for my TBI and have just had the fuel pump replaced (probably doesn't matter). But when the car is cold the tach likes to jump around (getting more violent as time goes on) and it usually happens when I'm coasting to or at a stop. It also has a noticable shudder when it jumps. I read in another message that my pickup coil in the distributor is going bad and I'd have to replace the whole distributor to fix it... can anybody reaffirm or deny this?

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'91 Firebird
305/TBI(L03)/700R4/T-tops
Mods: Catco high flow cat - B&M Shift kit - Taylor 8mm Spiro-Pro's - ACDelco Rapidfire Plugs - K&N Air Filter - Trans Am tail light conversion
Stereo: Pioneer DEH-P8200R - Pioneer 6x9's - Kenwood 8" Tube
'91 Pics

'87 Firebird
2.8L/MPFI/700R4/220K Miles on its original, never been rebuilt engine!
Totalled it but saved a bunch of parts before it went to the junk yard.
Firebird parts

[This message has been edited by pianiy (edited November 22, 2000).]

 

I'd agree with whoever gave you advice that the pickup is probably the cause of the problem. But, no, you don't have to replace the whole distributor. You will have to take it out of the car and rip the center shaft out of it after popping the bottom gear off. The pickup is captured under the upper part of the center shaft that the rotor attaches to. i.e. the pickup is too small to jsut unscrew and lift off the top of the shaft.