how to check timing?

[quickshift]

my gf's 93 mx3 sohc 1.6 always has a sluggish start, where it takes quite a bit of cranking to get it going, otherwise, it runs fine

im suspecting it is timing, so i want to put my timing light on it, so i searched, but i didnt get any clear answers. i read you need to ground out a pin in the diagnostic box? which one?
what do i time the light to? the crank pulley timing marks?
what is the ideal base timing? she likes using cheap gas and performance is not important, so something conservative please

[Typhoonk]

1. Make sure the engine's grounds are clean and properly bolted down. Also check the battery terminals and clean them up as well.
2. Make sure all the terminals on the starter are secure.
3. Remove starter and have it tested at canadian tire, or similiar. Some place that will test it for free.

that should be checked before u mess around with the timing.

good luck!!

[quickshift]

well the car is well maintained, and everything appears about right, so my intention is to put a timing light on it, and check how its running, whic takes all of 2 minutes to diagnose

therefore, like many efi cars, there is usualy some kind of sti or harness connector you have to ground, jump, or disconnect when messing with ignition timing, so i would simply like to know what that thing is in the 1.6 mx3, thx