got an 89 iroc...changed all the intake gaskets..manifold included. as you all are well aware, you have to remove the distributor. ive got everything back together and the car is out of time. i can't figure it out. car runs like a 4 cyl. i've been trying to set the timing, but am having problems. does anyone know to what degree the time is supposed to be set. tried the timing light but not having much luck. I have installed a set of hooker 2460 headers, and upgraded to 8mm wires. Im not sure if this will effect the correct timing....any help would be great!!!!!

 

Are you disconnecting the EST wire when you go to set the timing?

 

yes i connected the wire before i got started with the timing. i adjusted the timing, then shut off the car. plugged the brown and tan wire back in and took the car for a test drive....runs like crap

 

it is possible that when you stabed the distributor you missed by a tooth or two. that could very well be the reason. before you stab it align the oil pump driveshaft(the thing that is slotted) and line that up with the number one cylinder and make sure it is on tdc first then you can't make a mistake stabing it. (the rotor should be pointing to #1 cylinder when the engine is on tdc. good luck

 

i dont think i stabbed the distributor wrong. i marked everything before i took it out. put distributor back in aline with the marks i made. just seems like car isnt as powerful as it was before i worked on it. i guess ill just keep trying to turn the distributor alittle at a time till its right.