1987 monte carlo SS Timing

I have a 1987 monte carlo ss, with timing issues, is there a wire that I need to disconnect in order to bypass the computer? stock ignition set up.

what is the procedure to time this beast? had it set at about 16 degrees and runs fine, I know that is not right because it should be around 6 degrees BTDC. when its that low its way to slow and weak, feels like its pulling a huge trailer. been running this way for over a year, I set timing by ear, and now have a light and want to set it more accurately

For a carbed car, disconnect the 4-wire flat connector at the distributor. That should bypass the EST module and allow you to set base timing.

For a carbed car, disconnect the 4-wire flat connector at the distributor. That should bypass the EST module and allow you to set base timing.


I remember on my 82 monte carlo about the 4 wire harness plug, for some reason I am unable to find that plug. I dont have the HEI distributer, it is the external coil set up. (stock) on the distrubuter, I only have the wires that come off the module, 2 go right to the coil pack and and other harness is 3 wires that go to the wire strand. I will check harder tonight and see if I can locate. but am pretty sure there is no 4 wire plug.

1987 may have a single tan/white wire along the firewall with a connector hanging out of the wire loom. This would be the EST bypass connector. Disconnect that to set base timing.

really, I did find that wire, thought of that because other vehicles had same kind of wire. I did unplug wire and all that I noticed was my tach, stopped working. I did not check the timing while that wire was unplugged. I am gonna try it and see what happens.

Did the tach wire do the trick?