2G Setting base timing using a timing light question

[billyt]

My Fellow tuners.... I have a 97gst with a 6bolt swap as you can see on my profile. I have dsm link v3 and a timing light I got from Harbor Freight (not adjustable). My question is do I need to adjust the timing light 5* btdc? Can't remember where I read or got that info from. I looked at the magnus write up and there is no mention on it. I just want to get that clear. I know I have to check the box in link for the engine speed during timing and look at the mark in the crank pulley and check that is in the 5* btdc range.

Again, do i need to set the light 5* btdc or not?

Thanks guys!

 

[Calan]

a timing light I got from Harbor Freight (not adjustable).

If the light isn't adjustable, why are you asking if you should adjust it?

My question is do I need to adjust the timing light 5* btdc?

No; leave the light set at zero, and use the BTDC marks on the timing cover.

 

[1Gina2G]

you forgot to mention if this is a brand new build, or how you got it.
Let me show you my link when I was asking about it, from what I understand you need to

get the gun hooked up, start the car and aim the gun at the crank pulley or camshafts, and move the dial on the gun untill the light line matches up with the correct mark on the lower timing cover , or when the cams line up with the light, forgot which mark it was on the cover, it'll be in the link.

The number the dial is at when the marks visually line up, so you need to adjust to 5* if it is not already and that's how you'll know you need to adjust.

You will either need to ground the timing connector physically in the engine bay, or through dsmlink since the computer adjusts/compensates timing, and move the cam angle sensor since that should be what you use in a 6bolt setup, even for me with a 2G head.

Not sure what you do for a 7 bolt since they say you don't adjust through the CAS on the head but some other way (can someone mention how?)

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/427695-what-gets-grounded-timing-light.html

 

[pauleyman]

I got from Harbor Freight (not adjustable). My question is do I need to adjust the timing light 5* btdc

I'm with Calan. These two statements contradict each other. What are you asking?
Just for reference an adjustable timing light is also known as a dial back to zero light. What this type of tool allows you to do is adjust the dial to whatever timing you want so when you look at the mark on the balancer it reads at zero which is usually the bigger easier to read mark. If it's not adjustable then you read the mark on the cover for wherever you would like to adjust.

 

[TalonTsi_291]

Yes you need to set your timing to 5*btdc. Since a 1g does not incorporate a crank sensor you have to manually set base ignition timing. On a 2g engine there is no need/no way to set timing due to the ecu seeing both a cam angle sensor and crank angle sensor. The computer has complete control of timing. To set your timing you can do it either way. Turn the timing light to 5* and then you would line the mark on the harmonic dampner with the ZERO on the timing cover. Or you leave the light at 0 and line it up with FIVE on the timing cover. Since you stated your timing light is non adjustable, you will be working with option two and lining the mark up on FIVE.

 

[billyt]

Great! Just the answer I was looking for. Thank you all for the help. Yes is a fresh build by the way.

Calan and Pauleyman, maybe I was not clear on the timing light adjustment question. Reason was that if I needed to adjust the light then I would have gotten an adjustable one.

Thanks again guys :thumbup: