I am working on my dads' elcamino. It is a 1981 base model with the vin code k, he has taken it to several mechanics with no luck in getting the thing running decent. I took the task upon my self to get this thing going for him. Right away i noticed several things missing that would support the computer controlled carb. The check engine light is also not working, this is not the original motor, most of the vacuum hoses are missing or not hooked up correctly. Long story short, i purchased a non computer controlled carb and currently have it installed and running. My question is the original distributor is a HEI with vacuum advance that has a single wire that connects to the ecm. I understand the next generation has the 4 wire plug but this one does not. What should the base timing be set at and does the advance need to go thru the thermal vacuum port or straight to manifold pressure? According to the Haynes manual timing should be 6* BTDC for the 81 but I'm not sure if the ecm actually controlled the timing or just regulated the carb. That number jumps to 12* for the 1980. any suggestions?
Sean
Sean