Im buying the complete distrubitor for my 98 LS(non vtec). Mine is giving me problems and some of the studs broke off on the cap so it doesn't screw on tight. Question is will chaning the whole thing out mess up my timing? Or anything of that matter. Is there anything i need to do afterwards of changing it out? Thanks for the help in advance.

 

Put the new one on in the same place the old one was and you wont have any problems. Its just a simple unbolt the old one and bolt in the new one if your getting the entire thing. Just make sure it goes on in the exact same place the old one was on. If not your timing will be off.

 

it will not mess up your timing but it will change it cause i dont think you can put it in the EXACT same spot ha. Just replace it and hit it with a timing light, there is a pointer on you timing belt cover pointing at the harmonic balancer with little colors on it, then hit it with the light untill the pointer and the red color match up.(think its red) mabye white. I think its supposed to be +/- 2 16*TDC (there should b a sticker under your hood that tells you)

Or you can just play it by ear untill it sounds right and idles smooth lol G/L

 

Now, if it changes the time slightly will it still be safe to drive? Or would i have to get the timing fixed right away? Reason i'm changing the whole distrubitor is the studs and my car has been having problems starting and lags at times while driving. I changed the cap and rotor which worked for awhile then came back with problems.

 

I draw a line with a permanent marker across on the top where the top bolt goes, part of the line stays on the dizz and part on the piece from the head. I then put the mark on the new dizz similar to where the old one's at and line it up.
And yes if it changes slightly it is safe to drive. I have used a timing light to set electronic timing but I have also used my senses setting the dizz where the engine shakes the least and at the same time accelerates properly without hesitation, both ways have worked for me. Now for the lag:
I would also consider swapping out the spark plug wires. I had some ngk blues that looked in real good condition but were bad--you can test them with a multimeter to see if the resistance is within specs.

 

Hmmm just read my first post and it is a bit extreme. A better way to put it would be get it as close as you can and you'll be fine. I usually adjust them by feel any way. I do break out the timing light every now and then though.