Correct engine timing procedure

[justacruzr2]

I have an 84 SBC 305 and I'm wondering if I am supposed to disconnect the distributor from the computer to correctly set base timing. It occurred to me that on distributors with vacuum advance you need to disconnect the vacuum hose from the distributor before timing it. Since the EST distributor does not have a vacuum advance it seems that it should be disconnected from the computer since the computer controls the vacuum advance. Is this correct?

Also here's a heads up on Cardone new distributors . If you ever need to change the pickup, the standard replacement pickup will not fit. Cardone made the distributor shaft smaller than the GM design and the trigger fingers on the shaft hit the standard pickup. Thank you Cardone for maintaining original GM specs.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

Yes you need to disable computer timing advance to set base timing. You can either disconnect the computer plug at the distributor or insert a paperclip in the ALDL port under the dash. Afterwards you will need to disconnect the battery to erase the false trouble codes the temporary disabled timing advance will set off.

 

[justacruzr2]

Yes you need to disable computer timing advance to set base timing. You can either disconnect the computer plug at the distributor or insert a paperclip in the ALDL port under the dash. Afterwards you will need to disconnect the battery to erase the false trouble codes the temporary disabled timing advance will set off.

Thanks...that makes sense.