Now that I've got spark again, I need to tune & time my 12A, and I want to do it right. The Haynes & FSM say I need to set the idle RPM @ 750 before adjusting the timing--which I definitely need to do, as it idles above 1000--and they call for a remote tachometer to monitor the idle speed.

So, I want to know if anyone has a suggestion for a tachometer. The most accurate cheap one would be my preference (duh, right?). However, if it would be more effective to get some sort of multipurpose tool (engine analyzer?), I'd think about that.

-dave

 

Oh, I forgot to mention that the 12A is out of a FB. Anyone know what the idle is for an FB?

Also, is there any way to identify what specific year my 12A is?

Thanks,

-dave

 

How about the stock tach, with someone reading the numbers out loud to you?

 

Haynes & the FSM say the stock tach blows (well, at least Haynes). Plus, I want to do this right, and someone guessing where 750 isn't satisfying to me.

 

It does blow, but its close enough for this really.

~T.J.

 

The stock tach is fine for tuning. Spend your $$ on productive stuff.

What year? I assume your car title should show it, but in case it doesn't, look here for how to translate VIN into human-readable info.

http://www.rotorhead.ca/ref_VIN.php

 

Sorry, the point of mentioning that the 12A is out of a FB was that the car is an '80. So, I waswondering if the motor has it's own ID number.

 

I get it now. You're wondering if someone did an engine swap somewhere down the line? There are some differences, like the oil cooler. 83 - 85 have the beehive cooler. IIRC there may be differences in the oil pan and some sensor locations between 1980 engines and later. Emissions controls (air pump vs. thermal reactor, more solenoids in later configurations) may also tell you something. Someone with more experience can chime in.

You can also look at the manuals online at www.iluvmyrx7.com and see if somethiing is not the same on yours as the '80 manual shows it. Make sense? Is this what you're looking for?

 

Yup. Plus, I while I was thinking about it, I realized that my question is probably moot because the 12A was virtually the same throughout the first gen, so the idle speed is unlikely to be any different, and knowing the exact year doesn't really matter overall.

I know for sure it's out of an FB, because it has a oil pressure sending unit and the wiring harness has obviously been replaced (dangling connectors, firewall pass-thru seal is out of place).

Thanks for the response.