Well, I failed the e-test, barely.

HC = 3.4 / 3
CO = 4.7 / 20
NOx = 1.7 / 6

So I missed the HC by just a bit. I'm thinking (after searching and reading) that I need to replace the plugs + wires (a bit old). I'm running 91 Octane gas (highest readily available) and used a can of guaranteed-to-pass stuff... It was running VERY rich for some time before I replaced the CTS and fixed the VSS. Drove it for 200 miles at 4-5 mpg.

The only problem I know of in the car is a cold idle stumble. It doesn't like running first thing in the morning. Start it up, rpm's fall, it stumbles, then dies. Start it again, RPM's surge, fall, it stumbles for a bit (4 sec) and then the RPMs surge back to 1500 or so. It repeats this for a minute, then once the temperature gauge starts to move up, it settles down. Warm, it runs beautifully, and smooth.

Recently replaced: Air filter, Oil, CTS, Belts.

Recently hooked up again: VSS (was disconnected).

Milage: 13-15 in city driving, going pretty hard.

Recently spontaneously came back to life: Gas gauge :rockon:

Any agreements, disagreements, ideas?

Thanks!

 

When was the last time you changed your oxygen sensor? It has a strong effect on how rich your mixture is.

 

Unknown. I've had the car 2 months. It ~looks~ pretty new, and the mixture doesn't seem to be rich after I fixed the CTS and VSS...

I do (once in a blue moon) throw a code 13 that cannot be reproduced. It ~seems~ like a gremlin, goes away and doesn't come back for 300-500 miles...

 

It might be worth it to replace it. I didn't think there was anything wrong with mine, but I knew it had been in there for a long time so I replaced it and gained 2 mpg. Also check to make sure your EGR system is working properly, it would cause problems in idle. Definitely replace your plugs and wires if they are old. I don't know off the top of my head what code 13 is, and I don't have a manual nearby.

 

13 == open or short in O2 sensor circut, malfunctioning TPS, bad ecm.

I guess I could just go ahead and replace the O2, couldn't hurt, right

And the plugs are definately being changed...

How decent are the AC Delco Plugs and wires? They're just about all I can afford, exept Champion, Motorcraft, and the Bosch Platinum / Super plugs...

 

ACDelco plugs and wires will be just fine. I run Champion plugs with no problems.

 

Excellant. I'll get that done next weekend! Thanks!