I had my starter changed today. The old one was done. As well the distributor cap and a module.

Up until the starter died, the car ran like a champion. Not a single complaint.

I pick up the car and it doesn't start. It goes 'click'. I try another 10 or so times and it finally cranks and starts. Idles like crap, up and down...
Hit the road and the thing is bogging down like you wouldn't believe. Go around the block a couple of times hoping it will correct itself. It does, but not by a lot. That is probably not a good explanation, so I'll give some other descriptions. I can get on the throttle, watch the RPM's climb, I can hear the exhaust getting louder and meaner, but there is no pick up to go with it.
Up until the starter died, I was running with Vettes and putting down Beamers and most everything else. Right now, my 99 Corolla is faster...
So, back to the mechanic...I explain it to him. I also ask about the non-start problem. His expanation to me is that it is VATS related. Something about the chip in my key not making good contact in the ignition cylinder. I disagree as this issue never occurred previously. He swears that this is what it is. Then he goes on to say the key is causing the car to drive like garbage. However, he says it drove fine for him. I say fine, lets go for a drive. The car acts up and he explains to me that it is the key causing these new problems. Is he full of BS? Does the VATS not function as a simple switch? I mean, doesn't it tell the car to start or not start? What does it have to do with performance?
After I got back to work I called to say that we had to do more work, he stated that it could be my EGR as it is not hooked up.
Maybe I'm a complet idiot, but I thought I was told/heard somewhere that the Corvette engine has 'EGR Delete'? I'm probably so wrong, but I'm asking you guys because someone here will know.
After this long story, I'm just looking for a starting point to diagnose the issue so any input would be great. Yes, I have been doing searches. Yes I have been getting some answers, but they aren't my questions and my exact issues.

I would appreciate any feedback that anyone could provide.

Thanks,

Chris

 

IMHO i think your mechanic is blowing smoke up your ***. the VATS system has nothing at all to do with how your car runs.all the VATS system is is a small resistor chip in your key.

my bet is that your problem is in your distributor cap or the module that was replaced. your distributor may have been moved when they were working on it throwing your timing off.

hope this helps you some.

 

Thanks for the reply. That was the impression that I was under, about the distrib.
At least I got the confirmation on the VATS that I was looking for. I appreciate the help.

 

I think the 2 most basic maintenance items that every car owner should perform her/himself, right after changing the oil and the wiper blades, are tune-ups and starters. This is a perfect example of why.

Learn to do it yourself, and you won't have people ripping you off and screwing up your car.

Sounds like they left a battery cable loose; and (accidentally or otherwise) unplugged a few vacuum lines and left them that way.

Do it yourself, and not only do you get to know whether it was done right or not (well, it was, wasn't it???); but you also get to enjoy how fast and reliable and perfect YOU made your car, not how "your mechanic" made it.

 

Maybe a spark plug wire was put in the wrong firing order or something like that? Check for unplugged sensors and whatnot. VATS won't do this.

 

I check and set the timing . Knowing them they probably set it with the est connected.

Dan

 

I'm w/ RB on this one (since he's normally right lol), the first thing that came to mind was a ground that is making minimal to no connection.

Also try spraying carb cleaner around the engine bay (not the distributor lol) and find where it changes the idle... you could have a vacuum leak as well.

THEN check that they used the correct sized rotor. Then check the firing order, it should go something like this...

 

Who chimed in with their ideas. I've got the weekend to work on it and hopefully I'll be able to fix 'er up.

As an afterthought, I will never be so lazy again as to not do the simple jobs myself. aka starter, alternator, plugs etc. etc...lesson learned I hope.

Again, thanks to all. I'll update as I go about my weekend.

What a great resource this site is. Don't know where I would be without it.