I had a problem with bad response and sounds coming from the engine. I replaced the spark plugs and still had the problem. Found out it was plug wires shorting out (i could see sparks in the dark). I also noticed the coil was sparking or bridging or something. So I replaced wires, rotor, cap, and coil. I havent tested the car on the road yet because I havent secured down the coil (I just want to get it running good), and the car is still running rough and its disappointing me. Anyone know the firing order of the 2.8L in an 87 camaro? I want to recheck that, and also how do I set the timing? Thanks.

it's real simple, 1-2-3-4-5-6 but remember that the # 1 cylinder is the front one on the passenger side. so, it'd look like this.


5-6
3-4
1-2

I'm pretty sure that's right. But the firing order is right, and that's how mines hooked up.

1-2-3-4-5-6
Left (driver's side) bank is 2-4-6, from front to back, and the right is 1-3-5. Distributor rotates clockwise.

Pick up a Hayne's or Chilton's and you'll find tons of info on things like checking the timing, but basically it involves hooking up a timing light and pointing it at the crankshaft damper.

Thanks guys. Unfortunately my firing order is correct. Im going to look into doing my timing. But the sounds coming from the engine is more than rough, sounds like possibly a bad rocker or something like that. Also when I turn off the engine there is a very loud hissing immediately and it dies down after "it" drains out in about 15 seconds or so. I cant really locate the sound.

that hissing might be from a very small coolant leak. i once had a pinhole leak in a heater hose that wouldn't leak when the car was running but the second i shut it off, the pressure pushed it out and made a hissing noise.

could be something else though. try to find out where it's coming from.

EDIT:crap i just remembered that you would notice coolant leaking underneath. BUT, when mine leaked, it shot a little coolant right on the block near the timing chain cover so i never noticed anything underneath.
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Dan
1990 3.1L RS
80 Series Flowmaster
It's fast(er than a 3 cyl metro)

[This message has been edited by CaliCamaroRS (edited January 07, 2001).]

Okay I got rid of the rough sound. The exhaust manifold was loose and I tightened it up. Im driving the car now with all the new mods and it actually seems slower. Anyone know why?

i feel better now knowing im not the only one that memorized firing orders.. lol

Matlock,
i'm sorry to say, but i don't know what it could be. Normally after a tune up, a car will appear to run better especially if the car was previously in poor running condition. You might be working with an internal problem on the motor, possible valves not opening fully, it could be a million internal things, but also it could still be external. Did you replace the airfilter, is their air being clogged through the piping bellows to the Throtle, make sure that all your wires are on tight too, make em click when they go down, sometimes a wire might not be on tight, and you'll be getting bad spark, also check for arching spark again to make sure. You might want to try a fuel system cleaner also, see if there's any gunk build up on the injectors, etc. Might help, I know someone out there's got the answer, i'm just posting things that might help you out. Also, you might want to try a compression test, see how strong each cylidner is running, then you might be able to isolate the problem. sorry i can't be of more help. but keep us posted on your progress.