My buds girlfriend just got this car and it needs work. It has a LOT of new parts: engine, steering components, shocks, springs , too much to list. It idles badly like the timing is way off. The only way it wil idle decent is 20* advanced, and it still sux there. I think the distributor is on the wrong tooth. Also, the speedo reads way too slow, like it says 35 when its actually going about 60. It runs all out of power at about 50 mph, too, but we think (not sure of anything) its because the speed sensor is bad which is causing a really lean condition. As it is now it has awful throttle response, bad idle, and not much power at all. And all this with no check engine light. HELP!

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1983 Firebird
TH700R4 Auto
Small Block 400
LG4 ECM, Intake, Carb, Distributor, etc.
Soon to be non-computer.
Clarion Head Unit 45X4
2 Pioneer 400W 12" Subs
Third Gen Performance
"A four cylinder is half an engine."

 

UPDATE:
today we replaced the O2 sensor & plug wires, checked cap & rotor, plugged a couple vacuum leaks, and its marginally if no better. We also set base timing to stock, so we know the timing is fine. It stumbles and jumps in gear like its not getting enough fuel... Our guess is the fuel pump but we need to rent a fuel pressure gauge to test it. The only other suspect is the fuel pressure regulator, but it looks brand new, and were pretty sure it is since most of the other stuff is. Heres what we eliminated today:
1.) Ignition - new cap & rotor, new wires, new coil
2.) Vacuum leaks - pluuged the 2 we found
3.) Timing - set base timing

Other stuff we checked that was fine: Throttle body, MAF (looks brand new), air filters, oil, all sensors, and we even put a bottle of injector cleaner in it. WHAT THE HELL COULD IT BE?? I am ready to beat the crap outta this car!!! Help!!!

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1983 Firebird
TH700R4 Auto
Small Block 400
LG4 ECM, Intake, Carb, Distributor, etc.
Soon to be non-computer.
Clarion Head Unit 45X4
2 Pioneer 400W 12" Subs
Third Gen Performance
"A four cylinder is half an engine."

 

bad fuel pump. listen for the sound of the fuel pump being obnoxously loud, if it's is it's the pump. and is the whole exhuast there, no holes, muffler is actually there, etc.
the 2.8's and 3.1's need backpressure, and if there is a exhaust leak, the car will suffer. also if the fuel pump is AFTERMARKET fuel pump, that's prolly the prob. my car has sucked since november, I know it's my crappy aftermarket pump. just a few things to look at.

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1988 Camaro Sport Coupe
2.8 V6, TCI 3200 Stall TC, B&M Transkit, 80 Series Flowmaster & Catback,'83 CFI Z/28 Hood,
'87 16" IROC Wheels on Kumho Ecsta Supra 712's, '92 Z/28 Bowtie Grille, IROC Gauges, IROC Taillights,
IROC Foglamps w/ retrofitted 9005 hi-beam headlight bulbs
*NEW* Just Painted -- Heritage Style Hood and Decklid Stripes -- *NEW*

[This message has been edited by SlowCamaro88SC (edited May 29, 2001).]

 

Do not over look the timming cahin.. It may be worn or was not setup right...