ka24e only runs decent when distributor turned nearly all the way counter clockw

[blues14]

i have an auto ka24e powered s13. i recently had a 'low km' engine dropped in to replace the original motor that had a blown headgasket. the shop dropped it in and it drove like garbage. it shifted funny, rarely started in first gear and i had to floor it to get it to downshift. so i got really pissed the other weekend and turned the distributer almost all the way counter clockwise. now the car always starts in first gear and is pretty responsive. could the shop have put in the distributor wrong or something? the transmission still shifts a little funny here and there, but it is tolerable, but maybe the car could be 'tuned' to run great. what do you think?

[zippitta]

What does ignition timing have to do with your car shifting bad?

[Kaikias]

your distributor could be installed 180 degrees out. Pull it reset TDC and reinstall it and then use timing light

[eliesito]

i agree your distributor could be installed backwards. that would explain why i hesitates but that has absolutly nothing to do with the transmition shifting bad. try to flush it and use proper lub and a shifting aditive in the mix.

[Kaikias]

Is it AT or Manual Trans

[blues14]

automatic. i changed the fluid and added an additive. could a bad filter be causing the bad shifting?

[deviousKA]

Check timing with timing light, sounds like it is off a tooth (not 180, or backwards). You will have to drop the oil pump to adjust it.

You should be able to get 15 degrees btdc when in the middle of the adjustment.