I have a 1987 GTA with a LT1 swap. Everything ran fine until I attempted to start it yesterday. Got a small back fire. Turned it over again. It ran for a few seconds then ran VERY roughly then cut out. It seemed to me to be running too rich. I took off the air filer and tried again. Same thing. Took off the MAF, it did not look dirty but cleaned it with MAF cleaner. Started and same thing. I then disconnected the MAF and it ran fine, although a little high on rpm. I thought for sure the MAF was bad but to be sure I took one from anther LT1 I have and it did the same thing, very rough idle. I know the second MAF is good because it run fine in my camaro and the MAF from the GTA worked fine in the camaro. Any ideas? Will running without the MAF connected effect/dammage the engine?

 

Running without the MAF connected should throw a code and put it in SD mode. If the problem persists its not MAF related

 

Check the MAP sensor connector. The tabs on them that fasten them to the MAP like to break off sometimes causing intermediate or bad electrical connections, causing the MAP readings to be bad, causing poor performance or no performance.

Could be about anything though. Check plugs, wires, fuel pressure, other electrical connections, trouble codes.