GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
  1. Bring the engine to TDC (Top Dead Center) cylinder #1 on the compression stroke.
  2. Important: Distributor cap screws are not captured in the distributor cap.

  3. Remove the distributor cap screws to expose the rotor.

  4. Object Number: 43756  Size: SH
  5. Align the pre-drilled indent hole in the distributor driven gear with the white painted alignment line on the lower portion of the shaft housing.
  6. Using a long screw driver, align the oil pump drive shaft in the engine with the mating drive tab at the end of the distributor shaft.

  7. Object Number: 68504  Size: SH
  8. Guide the distributor into place.
  9. Make sure the distributor is fully seated in the engine.
  10. 6.1. If the distributor is not fully seated, the oil pump drive shaft may not be aligned with the mating drive tab at the end of the distributor shaft.
    6.2. Remove the distributor and align the oil pump drive shaft as stated above.

    Object Number: 68505  Size: SH
  11. Once the distributor is fully seated, the rotor segment should be aligned with the pointer cast into the distributor base.
  12. • The pointer has a (8) cast into it, indicating the distributor is for an eight cylinder engine.
    • If the rotor segment does not come out within a few degrees of the pointer (8), the gear mesh between the distributor and the camshaft may be OFF by a tooth or more.
    • If this is a case repeat this procedure to achieve the proper alignment.
  13. Install the distributor hold down clamp bolt to the lower intake manifold.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the distributor clamp bolt to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  15. Install the distributor cap.
  16. Install the distributor cap screws. Do not overtighten.
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the cap holding screws to 5 N·m (40 lb in).


    Object Number: 68506  Size: SH
  18. Install the ignition coil to the upper intake manifold.
  19. Install the ignition coil bracket bolts to the upper intake manifold.
  20. Tighten
    Tighten ignition coil bracket bolts to 27 N·m (20 ft lb).

  21. Install the ignition coil wire from the ignition coil.
  22. Install the spark plug wire clips to the spark plug wire brackets.