check my timing, im thinking it might be off, what tools do i need, thanks

------------------
Trent
---Car---
89 Firebird/305 L03 TBI A4/t-tops
Open Element Edelbrock Aircleaner w/ K&N air filter/Summit Chrome Valve Covers
Edelbrock TES headers 3" out/flowmaster American thunder 3" exaust/Catco cat
---Stero---
Pioneer DEH-P730 Premium
Infinity 2way 4652 4x6's/Pioneer 4way ts-a6985 6x9's
profile cl640 110x4

 

A timing light.

------------------
2 Tickets to game= $250
Gas= $20
Sitting 20ft. from MJ= Priceless
'86 IROC T-TOPS, TINTED WINDOWS, BRAKE LIGHT BLACKOUTS
GM GOODWRENCH 350
EDELBROCK HEADERS Hooker CatBack
EDELBROCK 600CFM CARB.
KN AIRFILTER
ACCEL HEI DISTRIBUTOR
160* Stat, just switched to 180* b/c of winter coming and going to college in the mts.
3:73 Posi Rebuilt 700R4
B&M Megashifter, 5" Autometer Tach w/shift lite

 

A distributor wrench can be a great tool to have from time to time.

 

As quoted from... me. heh.

Setting the timing on the car is very easy to do. First buy a timing light and an offset timing wrench. (The bolt on the distributor is placed inconveniently if you don't have one. heh) That'll run you probably no more than 40 bucks.
To bypass the computer, look for a tan wire with a black stripe on it on the passenger side of the car. There should be a bundle of wires helt together with some black plastic tubing, and sticking out of that will be the wire. It's got a plug on the wire, just disconnect that. (Do this with your car off.)

To hook up the timing light...

Put the inductive pickup on the #1 spark plug wire. It's the wire closest to the front of the car on the driver's side of the distributor. Then hook the positive cable to the positive terminal, then the ground to any good ground you can find. Turn the car on, and after a few seconds the check engine light should come on. (Also be careful not to let the wires of the timing light get anywhere near the belts or the fan.) With the car warmed up and at idle, point the timing light down to the marks. As you've seen, the marks are made up of a bunch of triangle shaped wedges. The widest "valley," towards the drivers side, is TDC. Then, the peaks, heading towards passenger's side, are 4*BTDC and then, I believe, 8*BTDC.

Loosen up the bolt on the distributor, and slowly turn it either way to adjust the timing: Counterclockwise to advance, clockwise to retard. Don't jerk the distributor as it doesn't take much to adjust the timing. Also, when adjusting the timing the engine's RPM's will vary, so don't let that throw you off. After you get the timing set, tighten down the distributor and check the timing again to make sure it didn't move. Then turn the car off, disconnect the timing light and plug back in the EST.



------------------
89 iroc-z 305 tbi
k&n filtercharger, open element air filter. nuffin' else

 

Hey Enk, how many times you think you've posted that man. You gotta have it on "keyboard speed dial" by now. Quick and simple though. Does the trick.

 

thanks

------------------
Trent
---Car---
89 Firebird/305 L03 TBI A4/t-tops
Open Element Edelbrock Aircleaner w/ K&N air filter/Summit Chrome Valve Covers
Edelbrock TES headers 3" out/flowmaster American thunder 3" exaust/Catco cat
---Stero---
Pioneer DEH-P730 Premium
Infinity 2way 4652 4x6's/Pioneer 4way ts-a6985 6x9's
profile cl640 110x4

 

Sorry i know this question is out of place but i dont know how to make my own post but i was wondering if anyone knew how to check the engine and compression and all that good stuff im looking into buying a 87 irocz and i want to check the engine first its been sitting for awhile and i just want to adviod the (I TOLD YOU SO ) by my fieance and check it all before i buy it becuase she dont want me to get it : ( please if anyone knows please contact me back asap thanks

 

Kudos for using the search feature to find these threads. Take back that Kudos for posting the same question in multiple threads.
To post your own thread (and you only need to do it once in the section that besy applies to your question) start in the section, say Tech/general engine, and click on the icon at the upper left corner that says "New Thread". It looks like a Camaro emblem on its side with a Firebird in it.

To do compression you will obviously need a compression gauge. Remove the spark plugs and screw the gauge in its place and crank the engine over.
Check the fluids. Smell the oil. Don't want it smelling like gas. Also look at the level. If its high then possible something has gotten in it. Also look for water and/or milky.
If an automatic smell the tranny fluid. Burnt smell bad. Looks dark, bad. That tranny if it works now will not soon.

Does it run? You can tell a lot by that if it does.
Put your hand by the tail pipes, do you hear a ticking sound? could be a burnt valve.

And maybe you should listen to you fiance. Might know best

 

if you don't know, nor have the tools

arrange for a shop to give it a once over before purchasing. It's $100 you won't regret spending. Emotions should not come into play when you are buying a car. THere is no such thing as a car that "you just have to have"