Please be specific when giving the results of tests which were requested.

The next step would be to align the timing marks on the crank per the 96+ Engine Timing thread found in the Tech Article (DIY) Index link in my signature and then check to see if the rotor tip lines up with the '6' in the base of the distributor housing.

 

I aligned the marks as requested, and according to the timing thread. The rotor points close to the #2 spark terminal. Just before the "6" marking.

 

Have you tried resetting the rotor position such that it points directly at the '6' in the distributor base?

 

No. I can try. Before i do, should i rotate the crank another 360 degrees to see where the rotor lines up after that? Maybe im on the exhaust stroke, or would that make a difference..

 

It does need to be on the compression stroke.

 

One thought. If the timing chain did skip, wouldn't the relation of the cam and crank be slightly off mechanicaly wise? So by resetting the rotor position such that it points directly at the '6' in the distributor base wouldn't the cam still be off slightly per stroke of the piston?

 

If the timing chain has jumped, yes. If you have not moved the distributor and it is off by that much, that seems to confirm that the timing has skipped unless the gear on the bottom of the distributor is badly worn.

 

No previous removal of distributor. It's actually brand new from the auto parts store, only 6 months old. Car was running perfect as stated in beginning of thread, than just died. No knocking sounds, just that intermitant backfire.

 

Then the distributor being off means that something has skipped. Your possibilities are the timing chain or the distributor drive gear.

 

Thanks so much for guiding me in the right direction, i'll post the results soon. Thank you for your time and knowledge swartlkk !