S13 Sr20 Timing Help!!!!!

[SRprelude]

first off i blew my sr a few months ago. I just rebuilt my SR to OEM spec, except for using CP .020 pistons. The timing chain lines up with its marks at TDC, and the CAS (cam angle sensor) is right on.

BUT, when I was timing the car it runs like Poo at the 15 degree btdc notch (2nd white mark from the right to left). Thinking it might be off, I tried removing the CAS and advance/retard it one tooth......but that made it run even worse. I did use my FSM, and fiddled with the idle adj. screw as well.

However, when i set it to the timing mark furthest to the right, 20 deg. btdc it feels good and powerful. Why is my car not wanting to time at the proper mark? could it be a Vacuum leak (couldnt find any), a bad timing light? ( mine is not adjustable, just a new generic autozone light) God forbid, could my chain be off a tooth... when the links line up at TDC? Ive been busting my ass trting to figure it out. Im lost, PLEASE HELP!!!!! Experienced individuals only!!

car info:
s13 redtop SR
CP .020 pistons
all other internals are stock
T25
FMIC
fuel pump
300z f. filter
K&N filter
3 inch exh.
etc.... etc....

[vutony]

This should help you...

http://www.frsport.com/sr20det-crank-angle-sensor-cas-timing-guide-p-648.html

[SRprelude]

thanks it does help, I have the sr20 FSM though and i followed it the same way. EXCEPT on this link, it shows the crank pully set at 5 degrees AFTER TDC!!!! Isnt the engine SUPPOSED to be at TDC, the second notch from left........?

[drifter808]

I just rebuilt my engine a couple of days ago. You want the engine at 0 degrees TDC when you put the chain back on. Mine had a little bit of yellow paint in it. Since you have the FSM i wont go into how many links should be between the marks. I cant see why it would be running bad if everything checks out right. Maybe something was installed improperly?

[SRprelude]

i remember the FSM and we had it at TDC during install, besides, when the chain links match the cam gear marks.....theres only so many chain links that could even BE between the marks. My car runs good, just advanced 5 deg from the 15 deg btdc mark we normally use. I know this is a weird situation, jesus, my car has NEVER been easy.

[drifter808]

Dont get down on it. My car was a bucket of problems but when it runs good it is an awesome ride. I dont know how else to really help you here, maybe someone else has some insight. Just wondering, did you unplug the tps when checking the timing? cause if you didn't it will read wrong.

[SRprelude]

yes, i unpluged the tps sensor and followed the FSM guide

[Flybert]

Make sure you are using low price inductive timing light. The more expensive ones read off on SR.

[SRprelude]

a bad timing light? ( mine is not adjustable, just a new generic autozone light)

yea its a cheap one i bought, non adjustable.

[SRprelude]

need more help guys plz. can anyone refer me to someone?

[jdm_s14_zenki]

when i installed cams/springs/port & polish (stock pistons and rods) i had to advance the timing on my cam gears 5 degrees or so to make it run right..

at least with my situation, i was told to advance the timing to get the lower/midrange power.

[reactor]

Are you sure the timing chain on the crankshaft pulley didn't jump a tooth?