I just installed a new set of shorty Hooker Headers, model # 2460 HKR onto an 88iroc 5.0 TPI 5 speed convertible that was 100% stock with about 100k miles on it. During the install I removed my A.I.R pump and tubing, replaced the 02 sensor with a new Bosch OE, and replaced 3 of the 8 Spark Plug wires with new wires that had 90 degree heads for spark plug clearance of the header.

I've since been having issues starting the car. The idle is extremely rough. It also seems to be running pretty rich, if I spend more than a second or two trying to start the car, the engine will flood. I had this issue before putting the headers in, so I am not sure if flooding/rich fuel settings have anything to do with it - it was still able to start and run fine before the headers were installed it was just very temper-mental. After the headers were put in, when the car is started it will rev between 500 rpm, and 2000 rpm pretty spontaneously - very jumpy. The car runs ok for about 2-3 minutes, during that time it would die about every 20 seconds or so, but I managed to drive it around the block about a mile. I've already checked the distributor and spark plug pattern 3 times, and also made sure that each of the plugs is connected properly on both ends of the wire.

Anyone got any ideas? I originally didn't have an exhaust on- was running just the straight headers, then soon after I realized it wasn't going to run normal I put on a y-pipe and few feet of straight pipe to try to increase the back pressure thinking that maybe the O2 sensor was just getting a misreading of some type. That helped just a little bit, allowing me to drive that mile or so around the block. But I am still having basically the same problem, and the car is realistically Undriveable. Do I need to adjust my computer for the F.I. ? or is there possibly a fuel pump issue that just wasn't noticeable before? I appreciate any info you guys got to offer. thanks a lot

 

have you checked for codes or checked your timing?

 

the only step in your project that would cause your problem is the plug wire routing. so check it again, because it's wrong.

 

checked the wires again. thats not the issue, even had a buddy double check them for me to make sure I wasn't going crazy. Im not sure how to check for a code? where can I get the handheld/computer to do that ?

 

[quote=hoss051;3463415]checked the wires again. thats not the issue, even had a buddy double check them for me to make sure I wasn't going crazy. Im not sure how to check for a code? where can I get the handheld/computer to do that ?
http://www.iroczone.com/specs/TroubleCodes.htm all u need is a paper clip,hit the link above, scrole down near the bottom this will tell you how to check your codes , hope this helps