I need to re-time my car. I know with computer controlled cars you need to set it at 6* base timing, so L98 cars have a tab on the balancer/damper that represents 6*. I have a ZZ4 and instead of a tab there is just this little indentation. Since 99% of ZZ4s go under a carb I'm thinking that is supposed to be 0*, does anyone know if this is the case?

 

Well, given that you're still running fuel injection under computer control you probably want to start at the same 6* base setting as stock (unless your chip company says to use something else). You still set it just like before- pop the timing wire to take out all ECM-supplied advance, hook up your timing light and shoot the balancer with the engine running, turning the distributor back and forth until the line on the balancer lines up with the 6* mark on the timing tab.

 

Yes, I know I need to set it to 6* base timing again. But I don't know if the balancer notch indicates 6* like on an L98.

 

The line scribed on the balancer always indicates TDC- whether you're talking about a stock L98 or an aftermarket balancer. It's where that line lines up against the timing tab when you're shooting it with the gun that determines your ignition timing (6* BTDC, 0*, etc). Am I missing something here?

 

Ok, excuse my crappy terminology. I was trying to figure out if the tab on my engine would indicate 0* or 6* when it lines up with that indentation on the balancer. My friend has re-timed many TPI cars, but we couldn't see any tab on my balancer this afternoon. I guess we'll have to clean it up and try again.

 

The timing tab on a ZZ4 should be bolted to the timing cover via 2 of the timing cover bolts and be over in approximately the 1:30 postion, just like an L-98 engine.

 

The tab is there, but there is only a notch in it. There aren't any markings like on an L98 car. Since the notch is equal to TDC, then I guess the notch is for 0*.

 

Yeah the notch on the ZZ4 plastic cover is the zero mark. I was told on the MonteSS forum that the ZZ4 damper has the timing numbers scribed on it, if you are not using the ZZ4 damper you will need to put a timing tape on your balancer to find 6*.
Dave