I know this is the wrong forum but the folks here are the best. I have been pondering something that I don't understand on my 99 Z71 with a 350 Vortec.

The timing can not be changed manually, only by computer like our LT1's BUT.....

The rotor contact is very narrow. Not like the rotor contact in the opti. I understand the LT1 changing the spark timing with a very wide rotor contact so it can retard or advance the timing while the contact is still at 1 or all distributor cap pick ups.

But how does the Vortec do it with such a tiny contact point? I mean tiny.

Any help understanding this is appreciated. The curiosity is killing me.

 

I think the rotor width is commensurate with the diameter of the cap. Having to do with the speed/time it takes the rotor to travel in an arc. Not saying this is correct, just my first guess.

 

Very good point. The diameter is quite a bit different. The Vortec being drastically smaller. So maybe the computer has more time to do what it requires. In addition, the computer is 99 versus 94 and is much faster I'm sure and is OBDII so it has more
inputs as well.

I'm happy with that answer. Thanks