I just got threw installing my new sportsman II heads along with some new injectors. I assembled everything according to the sevice manual. I got the distributor set just so I can get it started, so I know it should start. It cranks but won't start...I checked the coil and there is no spark...wtf. I bypassed my whole msd system and used the old coil...still no spark. Is it possible for a bad ground to cause this problem? Or is it possible that the ignition module was damaged in the removal/install process?

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1991 Z28 5.7L
All free mods/afpr/hurst lock up harness/flowmasters(off)/lakewood Lca's/accel stock size injectors/msd6A-plugs, ignition coil/k&n/lakewood adjustable panhard rod.
1/4mile 13.7@102. Expected et next outing 12.9@? (with slp 1 3/4 headers and new ported sportsman II heads along with 24lb injectors, adjustable torque arm spohn or bmr)

 

Are you sure you got the dizzy seated all the way. You have to properly engage the dizzy w/ the oil pump driveshaft to get it in all the way. If you don't then it's possible that your dizzy isn't moving, and if the pick-up coil doesn't see a moving reluctor, your engine is off.
Other than that, looks like you're straight up troubleshooting the igniton to find the randomly failed part.

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Ed Maher - Moderator @ The TPI & Carb Boards
92 Z28 Convertible - Quasar blue / Tan top
305 TPI A4 2.73 - 14.7 @ 93.6
Stock except ported plenum and dual cats
-=ICON Motorsports=-

- Definitely prototypes, high powered mutants of some kind. Too weird to live, too cool to die

 

try changing your ignition module... when Hunter and I went to start up my car after an 8 month project, we encountered a similar problem. The last thing that we checked/changed was the ignition module (luckily I had a new spare one hanging around).

 

Thanks for the response guys, i'm going to give both of those a try today.

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1991 Z28 5.7L
All free mods/afpr/hurst lock up harness/flowmasters(off)/lakewood Lca's/accel stock size injectors/msd6A-plugs, ignition coil/k&n/lakewood adjustable panhard rod.
1/4mile 13.7@102. Expected et next outing 12.9@? (with slp 1 3/4 headers and new ported sportsman II heads along with 24lb injectors, adjustable torque arm spohn or bmr)

 

Well I found out why I had no spark...I had the connector for the ignition coil going to the manifold sensor and the connector to the manifold sensor going to the coil. Good news is I have spark now, bad news is still won't start...how do you set timing if you didn't mark the distributor?

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1991 Z28 5.7L
All free mods/afpr/hurst lock up harness/flowmasters(off)/lakewood Lca's/accel stock size injectors/msd6A-plugs, ignition coil/k&n/lakewood adjustable panhard rod.
1/4mile 13.7@102. Expected et next outing 12.9@? (with slp 1 3/4 headers and new ported sportsman II heads along with 24lb injectors, adjustable torque arm spohn or bmr)

 

Here's how I did it:

Disconnect distributor connection, remove #1 spark plug. Put finger over the spark plug hole. Have someone bump starter until you feel pressure pushing air past your finger. Adjust crank position with socket/wrench until pointer is at 6 degrees BTDC as indicated on timing tab. Plug distributor back in. Reinstall spark plug. Remove distributor cap and see if rotor points near direction of #1 plug wire on cap. If not, remove distributor and reinsert, turning rotor until rotor is in general area of #1 spark plug wire. Hook timing light up to #1 plug wire. Turn ignition on. Have someone hold timing light button pressed in while you slowly rotate distributor back and forth. When timing light fires, you're in the neighborhood of 6 degrees static timing and the engine should then start.