I am perparing to tune up my 1979, I have the shop manual, and am unable to find a tune-up section. Is there an archieved link here somewhere, I checked the search button and was unable to make it work. I see lots of heat shields and have heard of going underneath? I plan on changing the plugs, wires, cap, rotor. Anything else? Any and all help appreciated. TIA, Mark

 

I would recurve the distibutor, if you have not done so already.
Do you have an adjustable timing light?
Thanks,
Joe

 

"Re-curve the distributor" Ok, help me out on this one. Are you talking about new springs, or just re-time it?

Mark G

 

I own a 79 and will take a shot at helping you out. If you're just needing a basic tune-up, then just replace the following:
1) HEI distributor rotor and cap
2) plug wires (they do run behind and underneath the exhaust manifold and thru metal covers.)
3) plugs - gap them a@ .040-045"

You should have a sticker inside the engine compartment that gives you the stock timing settings. If you change the HEI weights or springs then better to follows Lars recommendations. Do a search at Corvettefaq.com for his easy-to-follow instructions.

If you decide to set the timing as recommended on the sticker, then do the following:

1) start and warm engine to normal operating temps
2) stop engine and connect timing light to #1 cylinder's plug wire
3) loosen the bolt underneath the distributor until the distributor can be turned by hand with some pressure
4) disconnect the vacuum advance line running from the carb to the distributor. disconnect at the distributor end and plug the line with a small screw or other device.
5) restart engine and set RPM at the sticker's recommended idle speed ~800RPM
6) check the timing
7) rotate the distributor until the correct timing is indicated. (It is normal that rotating the distributor will increase or decrease RPM's. Don't worry at this point.)
8) stop engine
9) reconnect the timing advance vacuum line
10) tighen down the distributor
11) restart engine and reset idle speed to recommended ~800RPM.


As I said above, recurving the distributor is something you'd not do during a normal tune up. Save this for a rainy day after reading and understanding the Lars instructions. However, it will be worth your while.

 

Do those metal covers that cover the front plugs come off or do I need to route the plug wires behind them? It looks impossible but I know there is an "easy" way. TIA, Mark

 

I am unable to remove those metal sheilds, have them loose but they do not want to remove? Any ideas, does anyone have a saved "file" on tune up procedures? TIA, Mark

 

I found this, remove starter and lift engine? Oh well, here we go! LOL!

Here is the link: http://corvettefever.com/howto/83258/