GM Forum / GM News GM Forum / GM News
Go Back   GM Inside News Forum > Discussion Area > GM Heritage Discussion
Register Home Forum Active Topics Media Gallery Mark Forums Read


       
GM Inside News & GM Forum is the premier GM Forum and GM News Source on the internet. We discuss all GM models on the forum. Registered Users do not see the above ads. Please Register - It's Free!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 03-19-2007, 08:04 PM   #1 (permalink)
2.2 Liter ECOTEC
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Drives: Saturn
Posts: 63
1975 Trans Am

I have owned this TA since about 1979. For those of you that don't know the 400 CID V8 had a 7.6-1 compression ratio that year. And the timing is suppose to be set at 12 degrees before top dead center.

My question is, if there is anyone that has any idea about this kind of thing. I must also add that with the timing mark on the harmonic balancer at zero, the number one clylinder is at top dead center.

THIS ENGINE will not run right with the timing set at 12 before. With this setting it has no power. Now if I advance it before the markings it starts to feel right but by this point I'm off scale. I have been timing it with vacume and and retarding it a little if it knocks. Does anyone out there have an idea what could be going on?
johnd59 is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
Advertisement
 
Old 04-14-2007, 02:01 AM   #2 (permalink)
3.9 Liter V6
 
2005 Equinox LS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Fox Valley Wisconsin
Drives: 2005 Equinox,1981 Bonneville, 1985 Caprice
Posts: 833
Re: 1975 Trans Am

I had a car that the markings were gone. They had to time it the same way you just did and with a little expirementation it worked just fine. Long as it doesnt spark knock to the point it damages the engine.
__________________
2005 Equinox LS AWD.

1981 Pontiac Bonneville. "The last full sized RWD Bonneville".

1985 Chevrolet Caprice.

2007 Sears Craftsman Lawn Tractor.
2005 Equinox LS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2007, 07:06 AM   #3 (permalink)
6.2 Liter Vortec V8
 
darndot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Southern Illinois
Drives: Silvy, 57-Pickup, Corvair-Vert.
Posts: 2,956
Re: 1975 Trans Am

See my signature below. This is what happens when you can't stop the spark knock.

I would try replacing all the vacuum hoses. If I remember right you remove the vacuum for the distributor, and plug it before you time the car. Have you replaced all of the plug wires, cap, plugs? Start with the simple stuff first.
__________________

All GM since 1985.
Owner of a 92 Long Roof Caprice.
darndot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2007, 10:55 AM   #4 (permalink)
3.8 Liter V6
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Drives: 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP
Posts: 491
Re: 1975 Trans Am

I suggest you stop by the forums at transamcountry.com, a site dedicated to 2nd gen Firebirds. There are a lot of knowledgeable guys there that will be more than willing to help you figure it out.
zabolots is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-21-2007, 08:09 PM   #5 (permalink)
3.9 Liter V6
 
VMax2007's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Minnesota
Drives: 2007 GMC Sierra SLT 4x4 Crewcab VortecMax
Posts: 901
Re: 1975 Trans Am

I am guessing your harmonic balancer has slipped. This was a common problem.
__________________

2007 GMC Sierra SLT CrewCab VortecMax 6.0, 3.73's
2004 Chevy Impala LS (Wife's ride).
VMax2007 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-21-2007, 08:27 PM   #6 (permalink)
GMI Fixed Ops Contributor
 
GMCSonoma's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,947
Re: 1975 Trans Am

Quote:
Originally Posted by VMax2007
I am guessing your harmonic balancer has slipped. This was a common problem.

Pontiac V8's also had timing chain issues as well....chains would stretch out, as I understand???


Nailhead425 or T-Type could answer this like nothing!
__________________
certified GM Dealer Parts Manager since 1994
GM Dealer Parts employee since 1987
AMC-Jeep-Renault Dealer Parts employee 1987-90
holder of many GM accredations, too numerous to list
and not giving a damn!
GMCSonoma is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2007, 06:13 PM   #7 (permalink)
2.2 Liter ECOTEC
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Drives: Saturn
Posts: 63
Re: 1975 Trans Am

The timing chain is new and the number one cylinder is at the top at the zero mark. Thanks for the link Zabolots, I'll check there. It doesn't knock at all and it runs fine I'm just perplexed as to what is going on. I'd like to put a set of 9.5 to 1 heads on it but I'm not sure what will happen with the timing then.

John
johnd59 is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
Advertisement
 
Reply

  GM Inside News Forum > Discussion Area > GM Heritage Discussion



Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:15 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.1.0
©2008 GMInsidenews.com.
GMInsideNews.com is not affiliated with GM, General Motors or any GM Divisions in any capacity.
GMInsideNews.com is an enthusiasts' forum dedicated entirely to news about GM vehicles.
  • AutoForums.com
  • Truck
  • European
  • Import
  • Domestic
  • Manufacturer

AutoForums.com is the premier network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
We operate more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share experiences and opinions as a community.

Visit AutoForums.com today.

For advertising information, please visit our AutoForums.com website and Contact Us, or send an email message to sales@autoforums.com.