Ok, here was the plan: transplant engine from f-body #1 to f-body #2. To prevent bashing the distributor into the firewall during engine removal and installation, I opted to remove the distributor. Before I took out the distributor, I marked the intake and distributor housing with a pen so I would have an easier time getting the timing close when I put the dist back in. While I had the engine out I rotated it to reach the torque converter bolts. Before putting it into f-body #2 I set the engine back to #1TDC. I dropped the engine in, then put in the distributor with the rotor pointing toward #1 and lined up the marks betweent the intake and the distributor housing. When I finally got the car started, it ran like total poo. Finally I discovered that the timing was about 20* retarded. After setting it back to 6* I looked at the marks I'd made and they were off by about 3/8 of an inch. I don't understand how this could have happened. I know that the timing was at 6* BTDC before I removed the distributor. Why when I put it back in was it at about 15* ATDC? Same distributor, engine, intake, everything. And I know I didn't have the plug wires all off by one cylinder. Someone please explain! Otherwise I'm convinced that gremlins snuck into the garage while I was sleeping and moved one of the marks over.

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91 Z28
Come see The Vicious...

 

I'd guess that when you turned the engine without the distributor, you turned the crank gear without turning the oil pump shaft. Then when you put the distributor back in, it wouldn't drop all the way down to engage the oil pump drive without being turned slightly.

 

if you turned the crank, you're going to need to set the distributer adn crank to TDC, and then adjust the oil pump with a long screwdriver so the the distributer weill drop in with correct timing.

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'86 IROC 5-speed
305 LG4
edelbrock performer rpm intake
edelbrock 600 cfm carb
msd pro billet hei
'95 3.23 rearend
hotchkis rear suspension

 

Doh! Forgot the oil pump wouldn't turn with the rest of the engine without the distributor in. OK, it makes sense now. Thanks guys.