ok most cars that are OBDII with a crank sensor stopped using the distributor for timing that it just becomes a TDC reference. Is this true on the Civics. Does moving the distributor make a difference on the 96+ hondas? Can you really still advance the timing like I could on my CRX.

 

Yes, you can advance and retard the timing on those by loosening the two bolts and rotating the distributor. It's not advisable though, and you definitely need a good timing light to get it where you want it. Although the timing is adjustable, the modern PCM probably won't take kindly to the adjustment.

The computer can still adjust timing within a certain range, and if you move the distributor too far it's gonna screw things up...it'll cause the CEL to come on and the engine may run like crap. The PCM is trying to set base timing that it thinks is correct, but the distributor is off and it can't get it there...the computer won't like that at all. This is coming from experience with Chevy motors though, not much experience in adjusting Honda timing from factory spec...although I believe Hondas work in a similar way.