I am planning to do a new timing chain and gears when I fix my plenum. My question is if I buy one like this: http://store.summitracing.com/partde...p;autoview=skuthat has the capability to retard/advance the timing, is it necessary to buy a programmer? When they flashed the PCMs didn't they just retard the timing? If that's the case, I was thinking that advancing the timing would reverse it. Maybe I'm wrong?

Thanks

 

No you shouldn't need a programmer.
That set up allows you to advance camshaft timing not ignition timing.
Ignition timing is done off the crankshaft sensor.

 

Oh, okay. Thanks. I wasn't sure which timing they retarded. I may just get a B&G flash...

 

retard it on the crank to., but i wouldnt worry about all of that on a stock cam , now be a different cam then yes ..

 

Dont get a B&G...they are trash. If you want to get a diffrent computer go sct. I hate my b&g but its all i could afford. With advancing/retarding the cam you dont need a computer, just a 1/2" open end to loosen the distributor hold down, then advance or retard the cam sensor (aka distributor) ever so slightly untill your check engine light goes away (or if you have a scan tool, untill fuel sync is + or - 4.

 

My check engine light isn't on...are you saying it will be afterI fix the plenum? I just didn't know what type of timing they retarded when they flashed it at the dealer. My main goal is really just to get it back to stock (i.e. - plenum fixed) then get the computer back where it should be. Not looking for any massive power gains. But I figured it would be a good time to replace the timing chain/gears, too.

 

It'll advance it to a certian point but since the cam and crank position is read and sent to the computer it'll just try to compensate for the advance you did. It should still make a difference though.

You might get spark knock or ping too with a timing advance. Throw a lower t-stat in there (180) if you haven't already. It'll keep the engine cooler and reduce the chance of predetonating.

 

I probably won't do the advance with the timing chain/gears. I was only going to do it b/c I thought that was the timing they retarded to fix the plenum. Having since found out that they retarded the ignition timing instead, I'll just replace the chain/gears and leave them where they are set now. I am going to fix the plenum, install a Fastman 52mm, replace the timing chain/gears, throw in a 180 t-stat, and do a tune all at the same time...later this year. Then I plan to buy a Hypertech and get it running like it should. After that...tranny rebuild (no symptoms yet, just doing it anyway) and headers...then I'm done...except for maybe a lift.[&:]

On a side note...how much do you think the factory would charge to flash the PCM back to where it was stock after the plenum is fixed? That's really all I want...to fix the plenum and get itto perform where it did before they re-flashed it to retard the timing.

 

the original pcm programming prior to death flash is not available from the dealer. the only version of pcm software they can apply is 'current version' aka death flash. the only way to get back to a decent timing curve is with some sort of aftermarket flash, such as hypertech, superchips, sct, b&g, or other. there is something called crank postion sensor mod, but i don't know how that figures into the debate, nor do i understand the 4* adv/retard on the timing gear. i guess i'm just 4* retarded.

 

Of course not...that would make things waaay too simple.[:@] Hypertech it is...