Im taking one off of another 305 TPI and i need to know exactly what to do and how to get TDC on both engines one is out of the car the other is in my iroc,..the reason im doing this is becuase im getting a code12 and my engine runs like crap. so im gonna try a good dist.

 

The dist. itself is probably fine. The code 12 is relatively meaningless. It indicates a lack of distributer reference pulses. If the motor actually runs in some fasion, then a code 12 isnt your problem. The only time a code 12 has meaning is if the engine cranks but doesnt start. Without reference pulses, there is no fuel since the injector drivers will not fire.

A part in the dist. may be your problem, but that wouldnt mean youd have to replace the whole thing. Id look elsewhere for the problem rather then trying a whole 'nother dist.

Can you be specific about the cars symptoms?

 

Well first off the car only starts when it wants to.....for the most part it runs. idles great after like 2 min. but when you have the pedal floored it jumps up to 3000 then back to 1000 over and over! i just gave an oil change, New MAF, tune up, plugs, wires, battery, Air Filters, Fuel Filter. and radiator. oh and also the fuel pump is new.....im thinkin its the dist. but if you think its not then please help me out

 

The dist. is certainly a possibility. I dont think you need to replace the whole thing, though. Probably the most youd need to do is put in a new module/coil. As I found out, another thing you'll need to do if you pull it is clean the base and mounting clamp off real good so there is a clean ground. I was having a similar no start problem. Would start fine or not at all. It was do to poor grounding caused by a dirty dist. base.

How does the engine sound when it surges like that. Does it rev up and then suddenly break up and fall off?