We have a 90 Formula, 350 ZZ4 TPI, with an MSD distributor. When cranking, the timing jumps up to 35 degrees instead of four degrees. He always had to turn it back even when it started. The car kept breaking gears on the flexplate, which consequently tore up gears on the starter. While cranking it, the engine was missing, we thought it might be the chip, so we had a new chip burned by Motorvation, which were based on the specifics of the motor(lift, cam timing, size of the injectors). Any suggestions on how to fix this?

 

ignition module or spark timing module maybe. try using a known good one

 

The ignition and/or ECM may be wired up wrong.
You could try to sort it out or go for a quick fix of installing an ignition kill switch for starting. You kill the power to the coil while cranking then turn the spark on once the engine is spinning over. It will save the starters and flexplates.

If you were working on your own chips I would suggest trying to reduce the cranking spark to make up for this error.

 

Well, after replacing the chip with another one, the problem went away. The mechanic wanted to try to recreate the problem a few different ways at the time I made the post, but was unable to. So, as of now it works.

Perhaps years down the road after I learn how to read the information on the old chip I can figure out why.

It was a hypertech chip, do you guys think the company would take a look at it for free?