how do i set the timing on a 305 TBI that i just put into a 91' RS, its a direct replacemnet engine for the origional one that had a cracked block. in my experience with engine swaps its always been FWD engines with a coil pack setup so no timing is needed there. with this one its got a distributer setup so i need to set the timing, how do i go about doing this?

 

Check out the "New to TBI" sticky on the TBI board. 3rd post down has 3 very good links with a step-by-step on checking/adjusting timing and pictures.

Here it is: https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=227281

 

ok i read that, it was telling me things i knew already, i timed the 305 in this car before it was broke,i was actually wondering if there is a differnt procedure when running it the first time with the old 305s distributer on the new 305. it apears as there is not am i correct in this assumption?

 

Oh OK, I see what your asking now. Yep, you are correct.

 

Pull the #1 spark plug out. With something over the hole, bump the engine over until the compression comes out. Look at where the timing marks are. You should be at or just past TDC on the marks. Rotate the engine to bring the timing marks close to zero to start. Now, what base timing are you going to use. Lets say 8*. Rotate the engine until the mark on the balancer is lined up to the 8* mark on the indicater. The engine is timed, now to move on to the ignition.

Pull of the distributor cap. The rotor should be pointing roughly to where the #1 plug wire is. If it isn't then you either have the engine on #6 cylinder or the distributor was dropped in wrong. If it's close, pull the rotor off. Under the rotor you'll see the magnetic pickup pointers on the shaft. Rotate the distributor until the pointers line up. Clamp everything down and reassemble the cap, rotor, wires.

The timing is now close enough that you should be able to start the engine and quickly start the break in process without having to adjust timing. Once the engine is broken it, put a timing light on and recheck the timing. If done properly, you should be within a couple of degrees.