Just wanted to say this is my first time setting my timming the problem i am having is that i can"t get the cap to turn i loosened the two screws on the bottom of the cap but it won't move first time setting the timming any help i am sure it is me doing somthing wrong thanks car is a 89 formula l98 stock gm cap and rotor

 

The cap doesn't turn, the whole distributor does.

 

ok so what im i missing to get it to turn i should turn the cap which will turn the distributor correct trying to learn did lots of searching and thought i had it figured out

 

You need to loosen the distributor hold-down bolt. It's in the intake underneath the distributor towards the front passenger side.

 

ok thanks for the help and counter clock wise = advance

 

CCW=advance, CW=retard

 

don't lossen it up too much while the engine is running , it can pop out . Just lossen it up enough to move it .

 

great thanks whts the best way to get to it and does any one know what size socket thanks for all the help

 

Should be 9/16. You'll need an open-end wrench, or a distributor wrench.

 

greta thanks

 

if you have all the stock wiring and egr stuff the distributor wrench is the way to go it can be tough to get a regular wrench around that stuff , you can get one at autozone or any other car store pretty cheap.

 

you will never be able to loosen that thing on a tpi car without a distributor wrench. I use an open end wrench that i heated up and bent to fit perfectly, yet i still have to remove my coil and egr solenoid to gain proper acess to the hold down bolt. Just remember to put it all back when you start the car to move the distributor, then you will have to take it all off to tighten the dist. bolt again. Probably easier to use a dist. wrench. Don't forget to disconnect the EST wire while you set the timing, and un do your neg. battery cable when you are done for about 30 seconds, so the computer can recognize a change.

 

hey guys thanks for all the help got it set were it says it should be at 6 if i were to advance it to 8 would that help with any performance

 

might have to run higher octane fuel then if pinging starts

 

if it's performance you want then run higher octane fuel and mess with the timing just a little. It's only about 10 cents per gallon more to move up a grade of fuel and that's about $1.20 per week based on 12 gallons.

I'll never understand those who want performance but run the cheap stuff; but I digress

 

yes i always run 93 octane maybe i will give it a try

 

keep the coolant flushed, the oil changed and run at least 89 octane and your engine will reward you by running cooler, lasting longer, making more power and get better mileage