Advancing ignition timing on 5.7 vortec - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

65standard · 02-12-2017, 05:23 PM

I have a 1996 Cheyenne with a 5.7 vortec, 5-speed, and 3.42 locker rear. I was wondering if I can physically advance the ignition timing by turning the distributor. Or can it only be adjusted through programming?

cam.man67 · 02-12-2017, 07:29 PM

Nice truck! Nope, no dice on advancing with the distributor. The ignition module takes the signal from the crankshaft position sensor and only sends a charge as each cylinder reaches TDC. Turning the distributor only moves the cylinder contact away from where the rotor tip is trying to send a charge. No ignition advance there, I'm afraid.

I suppose the reluctor that rotates past the crank sensor could be modified to advance timing a few degeees, but I doubt that you'd want to go that route if it can be done with a computer.

65standard · 02-12-2017, 09:55 PM

Thanks for the info. That's what I was thinking but not sure about.

95 S_Trucker · 02-13-2017, 08:11 AM

You would need a tune.

Even if you did advance/retard the reluctor at the crank, you would get a cam/crank correlation fault code. You could then perform the cam/crank relearn with a scan too, which would get you back to square one.

02-12-2017, 05:23 PM	#1
65standard Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Coal City, IL Posts: 695	Advancing ignition timing on 5.7 vortec I have a 1996 Cheyenne with a 5.7 vortec, 5-speed, and 3.42 locker rear. I was wondering if I can physically advance the ignition timing by turning the distributor. Or can it only be adjusted through programming? Attached Images __________________ Tony Nicholas @ Midwest Metal Masters 1953 Chevy 3100 392 Hemi w/727 & 9” Ford 1985 Chevy C/10 6.0L 4L80 373 locker

02-12-2017, 07:29 PM	#2
cam.man67 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Jefferson, MD Posts: 2,397	Re: Advancing ignition timing on 5.7 vortec Nice truck! Nope, no dice on advancing with the distributor. The ignition module takes the signal from the crankshaft position sensor and only sends a charge as each cylinder reaches TDC. Turning the distributor only moves the cylinder contact away from where the rotor tip is trying to send a charge. No ignition advance there, I'm afraid. I suppose the reluctor that rotates past the crank sensor could be modified to advance timing a few degeees, but I doubt that you'd want to go that route if it can be done with a computer. __________________ '68 Dodge Dart 270, 225, 904, 2.76--"Lucy" 1996 Gmc 1500 Z71, 350, 4l60e, 3.73s 1995 Jeep Wrangler Rio Grande 2.5, AX5, 4.10s 1989 Toyota Pickup 22re, auto, 3.73

02-12-2017, 09:55 PM	#3
65standard Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Coal City, IL Posts: 695	Re: Advancing ignition timing on 5.7 vortec Thanks for the info. That's what I was thinking but not sure about. __________________ Tony Nicholas @ Midwest Metal Masters 1953 Chevy 3100 392 Hemi w/727 & 9” Ford 1985 Chevy C/10 6.0L 4L80 373 locker

02-13-2017, 08:11 AM	#4
95 S_Trucker Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: . Posts: 2,178	Re: Advancing ignition timing on 5.7 vortec You would need a tune. Even if you did advance/retard the reluctor at the crank, you would get a cam/crank correlation fault code. You could then perform the cam/crank relearn with a scan too, which would get you back to square one.



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