LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> GMC >> 1988 >> Forward Control 5.7 M, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> Ignition System - HEI/Est/ESC >> Operation >> Est System >> Notes
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Est System: Notes

The ECM monitors information concerning crankshaft position, engine RPM, engine load, atmospheric conditions, engine temperature, and transmission gear position. This information is used by the ECM to compute desired spark timing which is relayed to the distributor, enabling appropriate changes to be made to ignition timing. A back-up spark advance system is incorporated to signal ignition module in the event of ECM failure.

CAUTION: Although similar in appearance, components of HEI/EST and HEI distributors are NOT interchangeable.