Q:
How do I set the timing on my SS? What is the procedure?
The only reliable way to set engine timing is with a timing light.
Prior to beginning, clean the
timing tab that is on the
front of the timing cover, and the balancer (particularly where the timing grove is
located). To aid in visibility, I recommend you paint this grove with silver or white
paint. You can also swipe silver paint over the timing cover timing tab to enhance the markings on it.
With the engine off, disconnect the
4 pin connector going to the lower rear of the distributor.
Connect the timing light's power cables to the battery.
Clip the timing light's sensor wire to the #1 cylinder spark plug wire
(driver's side, front spark plug). An easy place to connect this is up
by the distributor. Just make sure you have the correct wire.
With all wires clear of the fan blade and belts, start the engine.
If the timing light is the adjustable type, ensure it is in the 0 degree
advance mode.
The timing light should be strobing.. or should strobe when you hit its trigger.
If all is working properly, the timing grove on the balancer should be
present somewhere in the timing tab region when the timing light strobes on.
To adjust the timing, loosen the
distributor hold down bolt just enough to be able to rotate the distributor.
Rotate the distributor in small increments, then recheck timing. Rotate counter-clockwise
to advance timing (timing mark BTDC increases away from 0 degrees), clockwise to retard
timing (timing mark BTDC decreases toward 0 degrees). Stock timing should be 6 degrees BTDC.
You can increase this to 10 to 12 degrees BTDC for better performance.
Once you have the timing where you want, tighten the distributor hold
down bolt and recheck the timing. You may have to bias the adjustment
one way or the other to get the tightened down timing reading where you
want it.
Once you've tightened the distributor bolt down the final time, you can turn the engine off.
Reconnect the 4 pin connector and remove the timing light. You're done!
Q:
What is the stock timing for an SS?
6 degrees BTDC
Q:
What is the stock spark plug gap for an SS?
The called out Spark Plug type and gap have changed over the years
that the 4th Generation Monte Carlo SS were produced. The heat range
was reduced over the years, as was the gap size. There was word a few
years back that GM reduced the gap size to reduce the number of burnt
out coils that were cropping up. Here is the list of Spark Plug type /
gap size that GM called out over the years:
1983 - R45TS - Gap 0.045
1984 - R45TS - Gap 0.045
1985 - R44TS - Gap 0.045
1986 - R43TS - Gap 0.035
1987 - R43TS - Gap 0.035
1988 - R43TS - Gap 0.035
Note the 45, 44 and 43 in the spark plug model number applies to the plug's heat
range. R45TS is a hotter plug than the R43TS plug.
You can probably get by with R45TS gapped at 0.045. If you are running
a high performance ignition (MSD, Accel, Jacobs) you will definitly benefit
from the larger gap. Some have even increased to 0.050 gap with a performance
ignition.
Q:
What is the firing order on my engine?
1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
The distributor rotor rotates in a clockwise direction (looking
down from the top) when the engine is running.
Q:
Which spark plug wire goes where on the distributor?
Use this image to determine the
layout of the spark plug wires on the distributor.
The distributor rotor rotates in a clockwise direction (looking
down from the top) when the engine is running.
Q:
What is the layout of the cylinder number on my engine?
The Odd numbered cylinders are on the driver's side with cylinder #1 being
the most forward cylinder, #7 being the most rearward cylinder on the driver's
side. (1,3,5,7)
The Even numbered cylinders are on the passenger's side with cylinder #2 being
the most forward cylinder, #8 being the most rearward cylinder on the passenger's
side. (2,4,6,8)
