Replacing ka distributor without screwing timing

[s13king]

I have an s14 ka that i am putting in my s13.
The s14 distributor is still in the motor hasnt been knockedc around and i have the s13 distributor waiting to go in.
Can someone explain to me what I can do to replace the distributor while keeping the timing correct. I know it's not a simple procedure but i also know its not complex
Thank you.

[A-ron]

pull the cap off and look where the rotor is and line the s13 dizzy the same way and hope you dont have to reset the timing if so it's easy anyway lol

[s13king]

just align the rotor?
You dont have to make sure that anything else is lined up?

and i would have no idea how to reset the timing, you know how to do that?

[Epstein]

you can check the rotor like A-ron mentioned. That'll make sure you're not a tooth off. The next part is the angle of the distributor's base. Before you remove the S14 one, look closely at where the bolt (the one that holds it in) is in relation to the slot. When you install the S13 part, make sure it's in the same place. That's just eyeballing it. You can get pretty close to perfect like that.

[s13king]

alright that's more what i was looking for. Thanks a bunch A-ron and Epstein. You guys are awesome. I will do my best.

[A-ron]

to set the timing in a KA
i always use this method but people do if different
pull the spark plug out of cly #1
then pull the dipstick out and place it in cly #1
pull dizzy out with the cap off
turn over motor to you get to the compression stroke
then watch then get the dipstick as high as you can(have piston to the top)
set the rotor on dizzy to cly#1
insert dizzy
pull dipstick out put back in tube
put spark plug back in and the wire that goes to it.
see if it fires up.
if makes a popping noise(kinda sounds like under water) it's 180 out do it again lol.
if it runs but runs shitty loosen the bolts for the dizzy and twist it to it runs better.

that sums it up it's pretty easy bud

[s13king]

alright that is fairly easy thanks a lot man. Im sure that will help more people than just me.

[Epstein]

You can tell if you're on the compression stroke by looking at the #1 cam lobes through the oil cap hole. Lobes out is compression stroke. You can see TDC on the crank marks.

[A-ron]

^ i didnt know about the cam lobes thanks i learn something everyday lol..
and epstien im going to be contacting you in the next few months about my ka-t,kevin told me i should go to you

[s13king]

Oh okay TDC simplified for me
haha i like
something simple just got simpler

[-Mike]

You can tell if you're on the compression stroke by looking at the #1 cam lobes through the oil cap hole. Lobes out is compression stroke. You can see TDC on the crank marks.

This is what I do, turn it to TDC when the EXH cam is pointing towards the manifold. After that, slide the dist till its lined up with cyl #1 or the fin on the dist is lined up with fin on the rotor.

Like so


Then put the cap back on, and tune it in more by the adjustment slots.

[s13king]

Thanks Mike. Good pic.

[s13king]

Awesome Nico site, found on the tech page.

Technical Articles: 240sx Distributor Timing