vortec runs bad distributer gear??

**heath454** · 06-11-2012, 09:59 PM

ok guys does anyone know if the gear off of an hei dist. is the same as a vortec..reason i ask is my vortec runs like crap still..it has since i put this motor in the truck and nobody can find anythang wrong.im just takeing gueses..... but i did put an hei gear on this dis. cause the original one was wore out and i had an old hei laying around..just curious..

**ToyHauler** · 06-12-2012, 06:18 AM

timing needs to be set with a scan tool that reads cam retard offset once you take the distributor out. and running like crap on a vortec if you are talking 96-99 is usually fuel related, i would put a gauge on it see what you got. could be bad pump, filter, reg, injector assembly, test and go from there.

**heath454** · 06-12-2012, 05:53 PM

its been to the shop several times timming supposed to be rite on 0 .engine is new with flattop pistons .they say it dosent show any sign of spark knock or calling for timming retard when you accelerate.fuel pressure was checked.fuel trim codes -3 idk..its doggie it surgies at part throttle accl.exhust sounds funny..(dual exhust cat back no muffler) idles rough and only idles at 450rpm in gear foot on break 525 rpm in neutral.. also when you come on the throttle at 1500rpm it sounds funny and is laboreing reall bad but when it hits 2100rpm it is like a power bnd on a two stroke it feels like it gains 50hp all at once IDK DRIVEING ME NUTTS..

**smiles383** · 06-12-2012, 10:16 PM

pull the distributor and check the gear . The Vortec cam is steel and needs to use the special hardened gear or it eats it up .
http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forum/g...83-vortec.html

**ToyHauler** · 06-13-2012, 05:08 AM

you have the ability to read live data? i would look at the maf values and advance. advance should be about 20 at idle and go up to 35ish while accelerating. i would look at ft's while driving also might help narrow it down.

**heath454** · 06-13-2012, 05:52 AM

unfortunatly toyhauler i do not have that ability..this has all been done at a shop

**ToyHauler** · 06-13-2012, 07:24 AM

you can check for dist play like mentioned they checked fuel pressure not much else you can do without the scanner. pretty much essential tool on obd2 cars. i use torque app for android and a obd2 bluetooth adapter was like $50 for the whole deal.