ok guys, the car sounds like the timing is slightly reatrded. but when i went to advance it, there doesnt seem to be a way... now remember i grew up on chevy pickups, you cant make fun of me for not knowing.

Can't adjust it. It'* totally and completely controlled by the ECM. What are you hearing or feeling?

It seriously sounds and shakes like the timing is retarded about a degree

Have you ever replaced the timing chain?

The tensioner that holds the chain tight might be warn out and that could be messing with the timing.

hmmm... hope thats not it. i was lokking at the car today to see where i could put an extra alt, how are you suposed to get to the timing chain? do i have to pull the acessory rack? i think the chain might be hard to do with such low clearance

It'* not hard to get too. It'* right under the timing chain cover on the passenger end of the engine. You may have to pull some accessories, but they're simple ones. Jr has done this on your era....he can give you the exact details. If he doesn't jump in here, I'll look it up for you in the 'bonneville library'.

I have done it it takes a good bit longer then on a coventional pushrod motor but not too much more difficult.

You have to pull the alternator and disconnect the radiator hose then disconect the various sensors attached to the cover. I would recomend pulling the oil pan as long as you have the cover off in order to take a look at the inside of the motor and look at the oil pick up tube screen.

The bolts attaching the cover to the block are 13mm and 10mm