I have converted from 1995 Z28 to the real muscle

I have recently bought a 1981 Firebird, originally a V-6, but someone has replaced it with a small block chevy. I got the car for $200. Anyways, I replaced the aluminum intake on it with a perfromer RPM, replaced the Q-jet with a brand new Holley 750 vac secondary, and did the chrome dress up thing. It ran enough to drive it up on the trailer but now i think the timing is really screwed up or my distributor (HEI) is. What is the best way to set timing with out a gun? I have tried the check #1 plug when it is on compression and line up the dist. However it just backfires through the carb. It will satrt with ether but won't run. I am going to buy a MSD HEI Dist, hopefully that is the problem. Also how can I tell what size the engine is short of measuring the cylinders? Another weird thing is a Small block chevy starter wont bolt up to it, only a starter from the original PONTIAC V6, whats up with that? Well thanks all for input, I will let you know how it goes.....

here's my sig thanks

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1981 Pontiac FB originally V6, converted to SBC (HEI), Performer RPM, Holley 750 Vac Sec., Chrome Dress up, True Duals

1st question:
are you sure it is not a pontiac motor?

I don't have a clue what does or does not interchange between poncho and sbc, but I would look at that first.

As far as timing without a gun, if you have it close, you should be able to turn it until it turns over the easiest (when cranking). That should get you close, but buy a gun... that is the only way you will be able to tune it consitantly.

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69 Camaro (http://web.tampabay.rr.com/yz250/camaro.htm) among other toys.

Yes, I am sure it is a Small Block Chevy. I put a Performer RPM SBC intake on it, and I know the intake runners and HEI and all that, so yes I am 100% sure it is a SBC. I have torn out the interior and removed all the surface rust off the floorpans, not much. I get paid this week, so I am gonna get an MSD complete HEI Distributor, and new carpet. Hopefully the MSD dist. will do the trick. A Pontiac Tranny CAN'T bolt to a SBC can it? Thanks Man

BamaZ28

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1981 Pontiac FB originally V6, converted to SBC (HEI), Performer RPM, Holley 750 Vac Sec., Chrome Dress up, True Duals

yup the tranny prob. a turbo 350/400 will bolt right up

The BOP (Buick/Olds/Pontiac) Turbo 350/400 has a different bolt pattern than a Chevy Turbo 350/400. Virtually nothing from a small block Chevy is compatible with a true Pontiac motor or vice versa.

Forgot to mention, you can get an adapter to put the Pontiac tranny on the Chevy.

[This message has been edited by Eric77TA (edited June 11, 2002).]

Yeah, I think I am going to have to check the bolt pattern on the pan to really tell what tranny it is. I will let you guys know how it turns out on Friday when I get the MSD Dist. thanks

BamaZ28

Tell us how it goes. I'm always happy to see someone taking care of an old 'bird http://web.camaross.com/bb/smile.gif

Well,

today I rubberized the trunk floor, rust will no longer live on my floor!!! http://web.camaross.com/bb/smile.gif well tommorrow os the deciding day thanks

BamaZ28

I can't figure it out, I have bought a NEW Hi Perf HEI Pro Form Distributor. Tried all the old tricks to set timing without a timing gun, can't get the engine to run at all. The plugs ARE getting spark and fuel. I am going to get a gun today, and ideas???

Thanks

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1981 Pontiac FB originally V6, converted to SBC (HEI), Performer RPM, Holley 750 Vac Sec., Chrome Dress up, True Duals

you might have the distributor 180* off...
ie, you set timing with #1 at TDC, but at TDC on the EXHAUST stroke!

Pull the drivers valve cover, and turn the engine over untill you see the #1 int/exh valves both fully closed, then keep turning untill you get to TDC. NOW you are set at the beginning of the power stroke. Set the dist. and go for it...

I have set everything properly and even used a timing light on this bad boy, thing is, it still won't run. It keeps backfiring up through the Brand NEW carb I put on there! Is it possible I have an odd-ball chevy engine? I did check the firing order off the old intake, it is the standard chevy firing order. Just to check I did pull off the valve cover and check the stroke. Something has me baffled, the cylinders are getting air, spark, and gas. So my only assumption is maybe a stuck valve, any other suggestions? Thank Everyone

BamaZ28

That backfiring sounds like a good possibility of the distributor being 180 degrees off, which was mentioned in by someone else. It is easy to do, and I've done it on several occasions. Check the rotor to see where it is pointed, then lift the distributor and reset it into the block with the rotor rotated around and pointed in the opposite direction that you originally had it (180 degrees difference). Then try and start it.

Hope that helps
and good luck!
Bill B.

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'69 Camaro SS396 with '81 305:
stock except for Performer intake, 600 Holley vacuum (modded), Perf. Dist. HEI, 1-5/8" headers & 2-1/2" exhaust/turbo mufflers,
beefed TH 400 tranny with 11" street convertor & B&M Quicksilver
3.08 posi 12-bolt
P235/45/17 and P275/40/17 Kuhmos on 8x17 Wheel Vintiques rallys
H.O. Racing front coils, Flex-a-Form fiberglass leafs, Herb Adams VSE body bushings and frt. sway bar, '79 T/A P/S box, power disc front brakes w/metallic pads

Thanks, I will try the 180 degree thing. However, can that still be the problem since my timing mark still is right on? I think it can be, OK, thanks, I will let you know how it turns out...

BamaZ28

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1981 Pontiac FB originally V6, converted to SBC (HEI), Performer RPM, Holley 750 Vac Sec., Chrome Dress up, True Duals

sloppy timing chain jumped timing pain in the ass to fix on sbc gotta drop opan to pull timing cover

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Buick GN drivetrain waiting for a home

92 Talon TSI-its up and running about 275 HP He He

1990 Jeep cherokee 4.0 straight 6, 5 spd, 3 inch lift, HS header,K&N,31 inch tires over 200,000mi