I replaced the timing belt, plugs, wires, oil and filter, and air filter for a major tune up. The car immediately started and idled smoothly. Accelerating around 2,000 rpm there is no power, but 3,500 it pulls better but still under-powered. I checked for vacuum leaks and am convinced either the timing belt is off one tooth or the ignition timing is off. If I have to pull the thing apart again, I will but my question is: Is the ignition or cam timing likely what is causing the power loss. It is very pronounced after an upshift because the engine drops to 2,000 and cannot pull very well. There were one or two backfires after revving the engine. The engine ran very well before this work. THOUGHTS?

The timing is off. Loosen the three 12 mm distributor mounting bolts and rotate the distributor slightly counter-clockwise (CCW). This will advance the timing. Start the engine and see if this improves performance--it should.

Here's how to precisely set the timing with a timing light:

1. Start the engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature.
2. Adjust “Final Idle Speed” to 700 rpm, using the idle speed adjustment procedures above.
3. Turn off engine and all electrical systems.
3. Jump the Service Check Connector with a paper clip.
4. Connect positive inductive timing light lead to the positive battery terminal.
5. Connect negative inductive timing light lead to engine ground.
6. Connect inductive timing light lead to the No. 1 spark plug wire.
7. Start engine.
8. Using the timing light, rotate the distributor, after loosening the three 12 mm mounting bolts, until timing is set to 16 degrees BTDC* on the crankshaft pulley. 16 degrees BTDC should be the middle of the three clustered hash marks on the pulley. Align middle hash mark on pulley with pointer above. You may want to take chalk or yellow paint and highlight the hash mark first.
9. Button everything up.
10. Remove the BACKUP fuse for 10 seconds, in order to reset the computer. Record any radio codes first.

*D15B7/D15Z1/D16Z6 engines.


If the problem persists, you will have to inspect the timing belt installation. Did you install the timing belt, when the engine was at TDC on the compression stroke?