Well i know how to time it but what would i need to unplug to make shure it doesnt advance? its an 87 firebird formula with the 305 T.P.I

 

have to unplug EST wire tan wire with black tracer

 

Thanks. Also what degree? ive heard 6* is that true?

 

when I originally started on cars I was in the by the book school

that all changed when I moved down south

now that I have done it both ways heres the skinny

set it where it runs good and drive it

advance it untill it spark knocks a little at a time and then back it off untill the knock is gone and lock it down

 

Just to let you know, there are two types of timing we are talking about, static and dynamic (computer advanced).

Step 1: We are setting around 6* BTDC static timing (base timing), which means the computer is not involved in advance, and that is accomplished by disconnecting the EST bypass connector (tan/blk wire) or grounding the ALDL diagnostic terminal to ground. You adjust the timing by pointing the timing light at the balancer and turn the distributor until the timing tab lines up with 6* on the balancer.

Step 2: After you do that, stop the engine, unground the terminal or plug back the EST bypass connector and then restart the engine and advance the timing like you would the old fashioned way by turning the distributor. This will give you the dynamic timing, which may vary due to the engine and tune.

The stock base timing in the programming is 6* BTDC.

What i have noticed is that my 305 TPI loves to be run at 13*BTDC static timing and then advanced even more when the computer takes over. 305 engines are very timing sensitive. The stock tune in 86 was pretty conservative in the spark tables so they can take a little more aggressive timing. Your engine may be a little different, since no two engines run the same.

Changing the base timing in this fashion netted me .5 second in the quarter mile i believe last time i ran the car at the track.

 

If you have mods then it might like more timing depending on the came and everything else. My modded 355 would run like crap if the base timing wasn't set above 12 and ran best at 15. Also a side tip if you have not done this before make sure you don't move the distributr before you re tighten it.

 

yeah he is right. right after getting your base timing right on i tighten the distributor hold down and re check it. then turn off the car and plug in the est connector and restart the engine. you have to loosen the bolt again but its better to do it right the first time.