redtop sr20det setting timing

[g2ic02]

I know this is a beat to death topic. I have searched and read on this topic for quite a while. I have never been able to time my car(redtop sr20det). I have driven my car for roughly 10 years the way it is. I recently installed a set of poncams and i would feel a lot better if i knew where the timing was at.

This is the procedure i follow....
1. warm up car
2. unplug tps(have tried running and not running then removing tps plug)
3. rev past 3000 3 times.
4. set timing

What happens is this...
With the tps unplugged the car won't rev smoothly(it will rev but cuts out)
Timing hunts all over the place.
I am assuming it isn't actually being put into timing mode.

I do have an safc2 installed, could this be my issue? I know the timing chain and cas are 100% installed correctly. If i set the cas in the middle the car pulls hard, but i would really like to check the timing rather than just running the car as is.

thank you.

Mod list- t28, 550cc injectors, z32 maf, safc2, poncams

[OnTheChip]

Make sure your neutral switch is working. The ECU won't enter "set timing mode" unless it senses the trans is in neutral. Reving the engine is not necessary to enter "set timing mode". It is done to clear any fuel puddles that may be in the intake manifold. The coolant temp must also be above 140º F.

[TheRealSy90]

This is why i've never been able to do timing on my car either, I could never get it into timing mode and the coolant won't stay over 140 with the car just sitting there. With an obd cable you can force it into timing mode but as my car is an 89 is does not have that option :(

[g2ic02]

I will check into my neutral switch. Thanks for the heads up.

[g2ic02]

I have access to a snap on verus, I will check to see if it will communicate to the sr computer. Does any one's sr break up real bad revving it with tps unplugged?

[ultimateirving]

Easiest way to do it is to wire in your consult port. It takes a few minutes of soldering and some wire and you can use conzult to put the car manually into timing mode, its called "base idle adjustment" which is also when you can adjust your idle with the iacv.
youll never fight with trying to get a timing gun to work properly, just need to order the communicator and usb>rs232 adapter on ebay.

[cotbu]

Getting the ecu into timing mode is an art form. Anyway, yes the rev will breakup just like you described. Do it 3x and check your idle rpm first. I like 850rpm. I used to rev the engine 3x after as well, before plugging in the tps. As stated get that consult cable and program you'll never worry about, entering timing mode again.

Sent from my Highly Tuned Galaxy S3.5!!!

[TheRealSy90]

Can the consult be wired into an 89 chassis? Ugh I fuckin hate wiring :(

[ultimateirving]

Can the consult be wired into an 89 chassis? Ugh I fuckin hate wiring :(

Yup. It's like 3 wires right off the Ecu.

[Kingtal0n]

You can tell the engine is in "timing mode" when the idle timing stops bouncing around.

Just watch the timing light on the crank pulley and rev the engine a little bit until it settles down and gives you a solid consistent reading.

Also remember to flip the pickup around (watch the arrow if there is one) they are directional. If the CAS isnt nearly centered then you have the pickup reversed.

[cotbu]

Timing mode is a valuable diagnostic tool as well. You can see hiccups with the timing light. Just try not to ignore those random twittering jumps that seem to repeat.

Sent from my Highly Tuned Galaxy S3.5!!!