Setting and resetting base timing on 86...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 935
Likes: 2
From: Beverly, NJ
Setting and resetting base timing on 86...
How do I set timing on my 86? I need the exact procedures step-by-step, including tools needed. I want to start playing with the timing, and set it at 2* increments. I think she is off anyways. What is stock timing supposed to be? Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,818
Likes: 2
From: Alive and well in Burlington NC
Tools needed:
Distributor wrench
Timing light
Bring your Vette up to operating temp. and shut down. Locate the timing marks. One is a line cut into the balancer. The other is a tab attached to the block. Disconnect the EST lead (single lead connector, black and tan wire) and hook up your timing light to the #1 plug wire. Start the car and aim the light at the timing tab. Note initial timing. It should be set at 6* BTDC. If not, you'll need to use the wrench to loosen the dist. hold down clamp. Shut down and loosen the clamp until you can just move the dist with some resistance and start the engine. If your arms are long enough, you can observe the timing indicators and move the dist. at the same time or get a buddy to help. Move the dist. until you get the timing you want and shut down. Tighten the clamp, restart and recheck the timing and shut down. Remove the timing light, reconnect the EST lead and restart. You will have a code set (42) so you might want to disconnect the battery for about 30 seconds.
You're done.
Disclaimer - it is early and I've only had one cup of coffee so please verify the above with your repair manual.
Distributor wrench
Timing light
Bring your Vette up to operating temp. and shut down. Locate the timing marks. One is a line cut into the balancer. The other is a tab attached to the block. Disconnect the EST lead (single lead connector, black and tan wire) and hook up your timing light to the #1 plug wire. Start the car and aim the light at the timing tab. Note initial timing. It should be set at 6* BTDC. If not, you'll need to use the wrench to loosen the dist. hold down clamp. Shut down and loosen the clamp until you can just move the dist with some resistance and start the engine. If your arms are long enough, you can observe the timing indicators and move the dist. at the same time or get a buddy to help. Move the dist. until you get the timing you want and shut down. Tighten the clamp, restart and recheck the timing and shut down. Remove the timing light, reconnect the EST lead and restart. You will have a code set (42) so you might want to disconnect the battery for about 30 seconds.
You're done.
Disclaimer - it is early and I've only had one cup of coffee so please verify the above with your repair manual.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,940
Likes: 5
From: Chesapeake VA
Steel Blue has got it pretty well described!
The only thing I wouls add is that the EST wire is located between the master cylinder and the motor, back near the fire wall.
I have recently been playing with my base timing. I tried 6, 8 and 10 degrees. I ended up putting it back to 6 degrees. The car had more "torque slam" on acceleation at 8 & definitely at 10 degrees, but the idle and drivability of the car were unacceptable to me (the car is a daily driver). At 6 degrees, it is a much smoother and easier to drive car.
The only thing I wouls add is that the EST wire is located between the master cylinder and the motor, back near the fire wall.
I have recently been playing with my base timing. I tried 6, 8 and 10 degrees. I ended up putting it back to 6 degrees. The car had more "torque slam" on acceleation at 8 & definitely at 10 degrees, but the idle and drivability of the car were unacceptable to me (the car is a daily driver). At 6 degrees, it is a much smoother and easier to drive car.
