I have a 90RS with the 305. The motor only has about 16k on it.
1. How can I tell if the coil is going out? It went out a couple years ago and seems to be having the same symptoms now as it did before it went out then. I just want to make sure. Can a coil going out make the motor run hotter? Hard to tell cause it's 200 degrees outside lately!

2. The car has a built 700R4 trans and has/had a pretty good 1-2 kick in the shift. Now it seems that has lessened. Could that be from something in the trans? Or the bigger question, could it be from a weak or dying rear end?

3. What should the idle be once the car is warmed up? It has open intake and 3" exhaust now and seems to idle at about 600 when warm. Kinda feels like it's going to die sometimes and does on occasion if I goose it very lightly. When the car is cold it has a strong idle and feels healthy.

Thanks in advance for any info from the board!

 

1: The coil going out won't make the engine run hotter. Aftermarket coils are cheap enough though so changing it isn't a big deal even if it isn't your problem.

2: No idea, I don't do automatics.

3: Mine has always idled at around 550 - 600 rpm. If it feels like it wants to die and occasionally does you have a problem. Mine idles silky smooth at those rpms.

 

shift softening could be from a weakening torque arm bushing, along with other rear end bushings, from the increased wear on them from your shift kit.

as for your idle, do an 02 sensor reading, you probably need chip changes or fuel pressure change. instructions for both can be found in the tech section.

 

Thanks for the replys...

1. I will just change out the coil with a better one anyways.

2. I was thinking about the bushings maybe being bad or something. It seems a bit soft on the right rear when shifting. I do have LCA and a panhard bar on there but more poly is needed perhaps?

How do I check the O2 reading? (sorry for being such a rookie)

It does have a chip in it, that was put in before any other mods.

The fuel pressure is something I was thinking of boosting also. Would it be better to modify mine or should I buy an after-market one? And if so, which one?

Thanks for all the help!

 

modify yours or buy the vacuum adjustable if you plan on going wild with your 305.

there is a tech article for tuning with an 02 sensor. it has all the info you need.

adjustable and plolygraphite would definately help firm everything up. my car used to scratch 1-2 with a stock motor and tranny, now all my bushings are shot, and it feels like a caddy.