SW20 3SGTE hesitation following cambelt

[KE25-KP30]

Hey guys,
Just done a cam belt on a gen 2 3SGTE SW20 and it's doing a hesitation/drop all power randomly in either 1st or 2nd gear.
It seems to hold boost throughout but will often drop power at about 4500rpm and have a splutter/backfire. I don't know what detonation is, could this sound like it?

I've re-checked the timing and both inlet and exhaust are slightly advanced. I could drop them both back a notch on the cambelt but then they're be more retarded than they are advanced now (if that makes sense!)

It also feels very inconsistant - sometimes pulling very well, other times pretty gutless.

Is there anything that this can point towards? AFM/Coil/Leads?

Thanks for any suggestions!

Cheers,
Kent

[iOnic]

Check your base timing with a timing light while you have the ECU in timing mode by bridging 2 pins on the diagnostic connector - can't remember which, I think it's TE1 and E1 but that's possibly the 2 pins for pulling CEL codes...Workshop manual will tell you.

[Akane]

The BGB says you can have a slight advance or slight retard if you can't get everything bang on.

But the problem is the distributor is driven off the cam, so your timing will be off (providing you're really only slightly off on your cams to crank timings).

Once I had it off so much that I can't even get past 2000rpm, rotated the distributor to full advance brought most of the power back.


So yes, do what ionic said.

[allencr]

It also feels very inconsistant - sometimes pulling very well, other times pretty gutless.

Timing isn't inconsistent and usually, neither is anything electrical.
Does this have some sort of an intake system with hoses &tubes&clamps, or a distributor filled with leaking oil? Look at everything you've touched.

[CelicaGT8]

Didnt damage the leads/ dizzy cap?

[KE25-KP30]

Wow, what a difference a little timing makes!
It was running 7 BTDC, moved it to 10 and it's a totally different car!

Thanks for the suggestions!

Only thing now is very intermittently when pushing it hard, it will drop all power for a second and the power steer light (of all things!) will flash on. For it bit after it feels like it's running half boost and soon it's back to normal! Maybe somethings loose under there!

Thanks again guys.

Cheers,
Kent