Im putting a new engine (na) in an 87 manual and i need to know how to do the timing. I know the questions somewhat broad casue my dads asking for it but please try to be resonable with the answers. I can supplement any info if needed. It would be greatly appreciated

 

the idle needs to be set properly first and foremost. second you need to jumper the initial set coupler near the leading coil pack(2 pin green connector) with a paper clip or wire to be sure the timing doesn't try to jump on you from ECU inputs. third hook up a timing light to the leading coil #1 wire and then aim the light at the pointer on the e-shaft. if it doesn't line up with the yellow mark then you'll need to loose the CAS clamp bolt and twist the CAS until it lines up with the yellow mark and pointer. fourth, tighten the CAS and now hook up the timing light to the trailing #1 wire and check the pointer again, it should line up with the red mark on the pulley. fifth, disconnect everything and close the hood.

there is links to a factory service manual for your series car in the FAQ thread at the top of the forum for help in doing this as well. a haynes manual is also a good investment.

 

Im gonna sound like a real dumbass but here goes. Hows the timing light work exactly? Does the light only come on when the L1/T1 wire is firing or is it just a flashlight that lets you "eyeball" the timing marks? Is the car supposed to be running when youre checking timing with the light.

 

Nevermind, I figured it out. Had to read about the strobe light effect or whatever and the timing mark "standing still". Makes sense now.