what cylinder has to be top dead center of firing order. when setting the timing on 93 Cutlass

What engine you have?

http://autorepair.about.com/library/firing_orders/bl-fo-8151.htm -- v 6. Number one

http://autorepair.about.com/library/firing_orders/bl-fo-8150.htm -- if four cylinder. Number one

Engine 2.3 L Quad-4 I4 2.8 L LB6 V6 3.1 L LH0, L82 V6 3.4 L LQ1 V6

which?~

four strokes---suck squish bang blow....between blow and suck would be top dead center...set crankshaft to zero...use a soda straw or chopstick to be certain the marks on the harmonic balancer MATCH the physical position of the piston....the valve train should match with a pointer pointing directly at the harmonic balancer and should be in a state of NO valve action, but ready for the first of the four strokes~

The older Cutlas 6 cylinder with a distributor firing order is 1.6.5.4.3.2 but this image I found says, (if it can be trusted) with coil packs a different firing order ..(click image)

The Cutlass 90º V6 is just about the same engine as the V8, they simply sliced off what was #3 and #6 from the V8.......It would really be cool if hrose told us what engine....?

I found a site that says for 1993, only the 2.2 L OHV engine with a 3-speed automatic was available for the Ciera. Does the car even look like this?

I have two different sites stating that it has either a 2.2 liter L4 or a 3.3 liter v-6. So go figure. Wish the owner would confirm which one is in their car.

perhaps they simply don't know...and don't know how to find out...of course the owner's manual isn't in the glovebox...it never is~

Are we talking about ignition timing or valve timing? - Jim

GOOD question Jim. hrose..yoohoo...help us help you?