So lets start this off right...

1989 Camaro RS 350 TBI SWAP.
65lbs Fuel Injectors
TBIChips Cop Chip (Stage 2)

I started my car up like any other day and drove 10 miles. Once I reached my destination I shut the car off, sat for 2 hours, and tried to leave. Car did not crank over. Took it to the dealer to have them look at it.

Chevy replaced the following:

Fuel Filter.
Fuel Pump Relay.
Stock Exhaust (needed it for CA anyways).

So I drove the car home. Cold starts seem to be NO ISSUE. But sure as s*** it still doesnt start... (Thanks dealership... I needed work anyways, but could you not have just fixed the real issue) Enraged, I embarked on doing it myself.

Fuel Pump (replaced 1.5 years ago to a higher than stock flow)
Dis. Cap
Dis. Rotor
Ignition Control Module
Radiator (tri core aluminum)[HAD an overheat issue; No more.]
180* thermostat
180 Fan Sensor
MAP Sensor
Fuel Relay Sensor
Coolant Flush
Throttle Position Sensor (Set to .55, .58, .64 still nothing)
Checked the power at the Injectors on startup, they work

So Thats all that was replaced.

Here's the kicker: If I spray starting fluid in the intake tube/filter/TB itself, the car fires right up and will continue to run until I shut the car off. The IDLE is a tad choppy but nothing crazy. Like brum brum brum brum brah brum brum brum brum brum brum brum brah. ()

After I got the TPS set right, checked my O2 sensor connection, I still can read my Oil Pressure on the gauge, the fuel pump obviously works. I reset my ECM and I only get the CODE:54

Dear god, someone tell me its something simple as I'm driving myself (not really...) insane!

Questions, Comments, GO GO GO! I didn't check fuel pressure yet, but I did check the forums and I'm the lucky winner or a wacky Camaro.

 

I'm going to swap to the stock chip in the morning to see if that helps since my chip is set for a FULL exhuast and open intake... maybe thats tripping it?

 

Questions- you said first " car did not crank over " . No crank or crank no start ?
After repairs you got it to start with starting fluid . Cranks fine , just no start without prime ? Can you hear the fuel pump prime with initial key on ? Fuel pressure reading would be helpful . Did you check voltage at the ECM and check engine grounds ?

 

Yes, sorry:

The car will crank and crank and crank without starting until I add a little bit of starting fluid, then it starts and will run indefinitely.

I hear the fuel pump power up when I turn the key.
I don't know if the Relay prime has an intermittent short?
How do I check ECM voltage and grounds?

I would gander to say my fuel pressure is fine based on the car runs fine once its running and warm.

 

How do I check ECM voltage and grounds?

terminal B2 for fuel pump voltage
engine grounds on back of cyl. head

 

Crank but no start troubleshooting charts
6E2-A-15 box 1 - code 54 set, use code 54 chart.

 

code 54 charts
i would clear up the code 54 first and take it from there.

 

Awesome charts! I'm going to have time today to check it, thanks so much, I'll report back.

 

Let me know if you need anything else. You seem to be local.

 

Thanks man, yeah I'm a little more north of San Diego. Sitting up here in Temecula.

 

Cleared the Code 54, now I have intermittent Code 44 and STILL a long crank. Thoughts?

My fuel pressure was tested at 15psi.

 

Might be time to hook it to a scan tool to get some readings . They would be helpful in narrowing it down. Also check the wires going into the bottom of the fuel pump relay for tightness and fit in the body of the connector. Also check the EGR valve is fully closed when cranking and at idle.

 

Code 44 has to do with o2 sensor. I had that code once and found out my sensor had backed itself out and come loose!