305 vortec timing issue!!! help pleaseee lol

markyj · 08-01-2005, 12:52 PM

have a 305 5.0 vortec 96 chevy silverado. i went thru and set the timimg to tdc. set the rotor right on number 1. i need to know how to set the cam retard. when i put it on a scan tool, the cam retards at negative -11. When i move the distributor the cam retard stays at -11 and will not change at all. I need to know what to do set the timing between +2 and -2. truck does run and drive gets great gas millage lmao but has no power.

any help would be great need to pull a trailer in 2 days would really appreciate help with this asap

thanks alot

johnwill · 08-01-2005, 05:20 PM

I don't know anything about this engine, but it surprises me that TDC is the correct timing specification! Retarding the timing will yield better mileage, but lousy power. Are you sure that's where the timing is supposed to be?

**Midnight Tech** · 08-01-2005, 06:25 PM

Most of these late model engines are setup to have the distributor set at TDC since the computer adjusts the timing from baseline...don't have my resources at the second to verify the setting for that engine.

**bruiser** · 08-02-2005, 10:03 AM

Try posting here: www.camaroz28.com Lots of guys there also have these types of trucks.

johnwill · 08-02-2005, 05:25 PM

Interesting, that shows you how long it's been since I've been under the hood to do more than change the oil!

I assembled my aluminum 427 in my apartment livingroom in the late 60's, but now I just drive them and have a good mechanic.

**Midnight Tech** · 08-03-2005, 06:36 PM

Markyj, you're on the right track..set distributor at #1 TDC, then look behind the engine on the firewall (just behind the distributor)...possibly hidden under a cover...look for a single wire outside the harnesstan with a stripe. This is the SPOUT wire (hey, I didn't name it!) to the computer. Disconnect it and set timing with your timing light then reconnect it. This should put things right!

eskimo97 · 06-29-2008, 01:38 AM

well i am having the same problem with my 97 305 vortec, and Midnight there is one problem with what u said, you cant set the timing on those engines with a timing light it is computer controlled.

mercedesman · 07-03-2008, 02:56 PM

yes you can set timing with timing light thats why you unplug the spout connector it disables the computer timing after you set it and plug it back in the computer takes over the timing again

08-01-2005, 12:52 PM	#1 (permalink)
markyj Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 1 OS: xp	305 vortec timing issue!!! help pleaseee lol have a 305 5.0 vortec 96 chevy silverado. i went thru and set the timimg to tdc. set the rotor right on number 1. i need to know how to set the cam retard. when i put it on a scan tool, the cam retards at negative -11. When i move the distributor the cam retard stays at -11 and will not change at all. I need to know what to do set the timing between +2 and -2. truck does run and drive gets great gas millage lmao but has no power. any help would be great need to pull a trailer in 2 days would really appreciate help with this asap thanks alot

08-01-2005, 05:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 31,329 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	I don't know anything about this engine, but it surprises me that TDC is the correct timing specification! Retarding the timing will yield better mileage, but lousy power. Are you sure that's where the timing is supposed to be? __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

08-01-2005, 06:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
Midnight Tech Admin/Head GreaseMonkey/Igor's alter ego/Grand Exalted PoohBah Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: SC Posts: 2,599 OS: Windows XP SP2/Windows 98SE/Fedora Core 6/RH 7.2 with Autopoint	Most of these late model engines are setup to have the distributor set at TDC since the computer adjusts the timing from baseline...don't have my resources at the second to verify the setting for that engine. __________________ If you know anyone who graduated from North Myrtle Beach (SC) High in 1988, please contact MT for reunion information. Sharing my life...with my Imzadi! Interested in Trek gaming? Check out the Dynaverse! Proud supporter of the Carolinas Aviation Museum. If we have helped you in any way, please donate to keep TSF up and running!

08-02-2005, 05:25 PM	#5 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 31,329 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Interesting, that shows you how long it's been since I've been under the hood to do more than change the oil! I assembled my aluminum 427 in my apartment livingroom in the late 60's, but now I just drive them and have a good mechanic. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

08-03-2005, 06:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
Midnight Tech Admin/Head GreaseMonkey/Igor's alter ego/Grand Exalted PoohBah Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: SC Posts: 2,599 OS: Windows XP SP2/Windows 98SE/Fedora Core 6/RH 7.2 with Autopoint	Markyj, you're on the right track..set distributor at #1 TDC, then look behind the engine on the firewall (just behind the distributor)...possibly hidden under a cover...look for a single wire outside the harnesstan with a stripe. This is the SPOUT wire (hey, I didn't name it!) to the computer. Disconnect it and set timing with your timing light then reconnect it. This should put things right! __________________ If you know anyone who graduated from North Myrtle Beach (SC) High in 1988, please contact MT for reunion information. Sharing my life...with my Imzadi! Interested in Trek gaming? Check out the Dynaverse! Proud supporter of the Carolinas Aviation Museum. If we have helped you in any way, please donate to keep TSF up and running!

08-02-2005, 10:03 AM	#4 (permalink)
bruiser TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,648 OS: xp	Try posting here: www.camaroz28.com Lots of guys there also have these types of trucks.

06-29-2008, 01:38 AM	#7 (permalink)
eskimo97 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1 OS: xp	Re: 305 vortec timing issue!!! help pleaseee lol well i am having the same problem with my 97 305 vortec, and Midnight there is one problem with what u said, you cant set the timing on those engines with a timing light it is computer controlled.

07-03-2008, 02:56 PM	#8 (permalink)
mercedesman Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 9 OS: xp pro	Re: 305 vortec timing issue!!! help pleaseee lol yes you can set timing with timing light thats why you unplug the spout connector it disables the computer timing after you set it and plug it back in the computer takes over the timing again