For spark, the computer doesn't care about rotor position. Distributor placement IS critical for injector timing though, too far out, and the engine simply won't run, or, will run like crap. Unfortunately, to set fuel sync, you need a scan tool that can read it......

 

Yes but timing is traditionally a function based off cylinder 1, not at the coil. So the rotor not being placed right initially can cause problems at higher speed.

 

That may not have been evident at idle.

 

Oh, there is no doubt that initial setup is critical here. But, not for the traditional ignition timing reasons. There is a procedure in the service manual for correct setup of the dist, so that things are where they should be, then fuel sync needs to be set. If you just get it 'in the ball park'.... the engine will run, but INJECTOR timing will be off, not ignition timing.

It's an interesting system.

 

That's all the point I'm trying to make.

 

This is what I have been using as the basis for this particular debate. The implication here, is that moving the distributor, has some affect on spark advance. It doesn't. Moving the distributor will at most, cause the wrong cylinder to get spark, and/or throw off injector timing. You can't dial in ignition advance/retard by moving the distributor. You can't even set BASE ignition timing with the distributor. You set INJECTOR timing....... If you install the dist 'wrong'..... the timing advance will still follow the same curve, but, it won't necessarily be firing the correct cylinder, or, the correct injector.

This is getting more confusing than it really needs to be.

 

Well it does effect spark advance if its advanced past the correct cylinder.

Should have read, timing (in reference to typical placement on cylinder 1) can be effected by a rotated shaft when the spark advance, advances, past the point to where its closer to cylinder 8 than 1.

 

So essentially we're on the same page we've just confused each other with semantics.

 

But, you aren't changing the timing of the event, you are just changing which cylinder the event takes place on. I suppose, the nit we are picking here is the difference between spark advance, and distributor advance.

 

20 degrees advance on cylinder one, if it were past cylinder one, would be a totally different degree of retardation on cylinder eight.