My car detonates!! I think my timing is wrong? When i do the whole timing light procedure... what wires do I disconnect and why??? Can somebody run me thorugh the whole process? thanks

 

I'm not sure if it's the same on the TPI - but on the TBI cars there is a tan wire with a connector in it located on pass side close to the strut tower - you disconnect that wire, then start car to set the base timing, then reconnect after it's set and shut off.

 

Correct - But the wire is tan with a black tracer:

 

Usually, when my timing is broken or worn out, I replace it with new timing. Since I tend to use a lot of timing, I get it in bulk quantities (cheaper that way). I already know the timing I need, so I don't have to bother the guys at the parts counter. I just go to the rack and get a whole case of it. It's usually right between the the prop wash and RPM bands at most parts stores.

If you think your timing is wrong, you'll have to ask the parts counter guys what timing you need. There's nothing worse than trying to put Toyota timing in a Chevy - You get into the whole metric/fractional thing, trying to adapt, etetera. You might get away with Pontiac or Olds timing, since they are a lot closer to Chevy timing, just in case they are out of the exact timing you need.


Just disconnect the EST bypass connector as shown, set the base timing (as previously instructed) then reconnect the bypass connector. If the ESC is active and working, you should see timing jump as high as 20 degrees with the EST active at idle. If you tried to set base timing with the ESC plugged in, it would be WAY off.

 

Ha ha ha! hilarious!

 

Merlin, you are a bad person.