Hello, all. Does anyone happen to know what the stock initial timing setting should be for a stock '89 305 TPI? When I say "initial" I mean the reading you get when you have the EST connected, not bypassed. In other words, what should it ben running with the computer throwing in its two cents?

I recently did some major upgrades (cam, World 305 S/R Torquer heads, double roller timing set, 24 lb/hr injectors) and the custom chip I ordered seems to want to add a lot of initial timing. When I disconnect the EST connector and rev the engine (to put intial timing a 6 degrees BTDC), it pops a bit on deceleration (throttle closed). I wouldn't really sweat this too much, but I'll fail my smog test is my timing isn't within 2 degrees of stock, and I don't want to torch my MAF sensor with a backfire. Such is life in sunny California. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all who respond.

 

with the EST connected it should be off the scale, or unreadable and meaningless. you set it/check it with the EST unplugged.

 

Is it a new chip, or did they reprogram the stock chip?
I'd get the stock bin on another chip and change only the injector size.

 

I appreciate your responses. The chip is new, but according to the guy that burned it for me, he claimed that he didn't really deviate from the stock setting. In my case, it really wouldn't be necessary, anyway, I just can't account for the popping (backfiring??) that seems to happen intermittently when the EST is disconnected and the light reads 6-7 degrees BTDC. In hindsight, I believe that the only significant change that was made was the injector flow constant. The weird part is that the car just doesn't feel like it is making any power, as the total timing comes in quickly, and the throttle gets really soggy. The thing should be making a lot more power than it did before the upgrades, and it simply isn't.