Hi Guys,
I'm having an issue with my setup. TPIS burned a custom chip for me and the timing is suppose to be at 6* and fuel pressure at 43psi. However, when I set the timing at anything less than 10*, I get a pinging/pop noise around #3 when I step on the gas good at idle.

I'm happy it's finally idling better but now I'm not getting good throttle response and I'm assuming it is cause the timing isn't the 6* the ecu is programmed to?

FYI - I have the fuel pressure at about 44psi (idle) right now. See my sig for engine specs.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

I believe there is a protocol for adjusting the base timing. You may be adjusting the full- computer controlled timing which would leave you with far less advance up top.

I have not set base timing on a V8 in many years so I dont remember exactly, but, Im pretty sure you need to unplug the TPS and force the computer into some kind of "timing mode" in which base timing may be set manually.

Fuel pressure @ 44psi is plenty good you can leave it right there.

 

Thanks for the reply Kingtal0n.

I did follow the procedure and unplug the EST wire. It's weird... it does it everytime I drop the timing but it happens when I rev the motor.

Any idea?

 

A few things come to mind:

First, after setting the base timing with the EST disconnected, do you reconnect it and THEN disconnect the battery for 30 seconds or so to clear the stored code?

Second is the TDC mark on the balancer and the timing tab. Is the tab the correct on for your balancer and timing chain cover? Is it possible the outer ring of the damper has moved causing the TDC mark to be in the wrong place?

You can verify that by using a degree wheel and a positive stop indicator.

Several years ago, when I first bought my 86 Vette, I had a similar problem which was traced to a bad ECM. The ECM couldn't take over the ignition timing chores. Swapping in a friend's good ECM showed me that it was my ECM that caused the problem. $100 later engine was up and running with a remanufactured ECM from O'Reilly's.