Auto Parts: 1997 gmc safari distributor mod chip, gmc safari, safari van

Question
QUESTION: i was wondering if you knew how much one would cost and how hard it would be to replace thank you


4.3   ANSWER:      If we are talking about the distributor module, a quality replacement is about $100 and is held in with two screws.  A chimp could replace one if you let him borrow your screwdriver.

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QUESTION: hi i was wondering if you could help me with setting the timing in a 1997 gmc safari van i changed the distributor but was unaware i had to mark it now have tried to start it a couple times but wont turn over. please and thank you.

Answer
    You need to bump the engine around with the starter until you can see that it is close to Top Dead Center (the mark on the harmonic balancer).  Before doing this remove the number one plug and hold your thumb over the hole while bumping it around.  If it is on the compression stroke (which is what you want) you will feel the pressure push your finger off the hole.  Now identify the post on the cap which goes to the #1 wire.  Make a corresponding mark on the body of the distributor.  Assuming that the rotor no longer lines up with this mark (if it does then something else is wrong), remove the distributor and reinsert it with the rotor pointing at the mark.  You don't have to be exact (but you should be pretty close), the computer will line things up after you get it running.  Snug up the hold-down bolt and try to start it.  If it starts, you're good to go.  If it wants to start but won't, loosen up the hold-down bolt a little and try turning the distributor a little bit in each direction until it starts.  After it starts turn it until you get the smoothest idle and clamp it down.  If you want, you can check the function of the timing control with a timing light but it shouldn't be necessary.  All of this assumes that you left the wires attached to the cap while you changed the distributor.  If you didn't, they may not be on the right posts and you will have to check them.  Easiest way to do that is to compare it to another similar vehicle with the same engine.  They all look identical from the factory, and should stay that way.