How did the factory make these things run right

[packotobacco]

Hello again AMC fans,

My AMC eagle still has all of the original emissions control components intact, as far as I can tell they all function individually. however, I can't get the engine timed properly with the computer changing things while I work. In my old phone I had a post saved that contained all the information I needed but now I can't find that post. Can anyone direct me to a post with full step by step information for the tuning procedure that doesn't require removing my computer and everything it's attached to.

[AMC of Houston]

That would be the IS-12e Service Letter.   I'll email you a .pdf copy.

[MIPS]

Yeah I originally followed the timing adjustment procedure in the 1982 TSM (unplug the electronic retard plug from the duraspark and jumper the pins to disable computer spark control, which you can't do on 1983 and later cars) and it would result in a really badly timed engine. The bulletin has you unplug the vacuum switches instead and overall was considerably better.

For some reason the bulletin isn't searchable but it's in the eaglepedia. - http://amceaglesden.com/guide/November_1987_s_IS_12E_-_Idle_Speed