unknown problem and need some help. whenever i start my car, i have to pump the gas very hard to keep it running, and if i let off the gas, it won't idle and just dies. also, if i try to give it a lot of gas, it won't respond when i give it a lot of gas and it ends up dying unless i push the gas just right. i checked the fuel filter to see if it was clogged, but it seemed to be alright. the fuses were fine too. i am not sure what it could be. any ideas? btw it's a 1990 firebird V8 tbi, all stock with only flowmasters on it.

 

That sounds like a fuel delivery problem.

The only way to "check" a fuel filter is by replacing it.

Put a fuel pressure gauge on it after you replace the filter, if it 's still doing it. There should be about 9-13 psi depending on conditions at the moment. Any less than that, you probably need a fuel pump. Everybody's favorite job.

 

I had the same problem with my 88 Lo3. I checked the fuel pressure and it was 7 lbs. After I replaced the pump, it was 13 1/2 lbs. and ran like new.
Low fuel pressure on a TBI will cause it to die repeatedly upon starting, then seem to run and idle ok but, it will slowly loose power and seem like forever to rev up when you floor it!
Auto zone is about the cheapest, best fuel pressure test kit I found to check it with. The gague cost's about 49.00 bucks and I got a fuel pump at Napa for less than that (Weber brand).
For less than a hundred and twenty you can replace it yourself or pay over 300 to get a garage to do it for you. If your not experienced or mech. inclined or get pissed off real easy, I would have it done for you! Nobody likes dropping the fuel tank to do the job, believe me! that's why it costs so much!