i have an 88 camaro 305, auto trans. it starts up ok, but it will cut out and die when put in gear. rpms will go down enough to stall. anyone have/had a problem like this or have any ideas on what i should do?

 

You need to provide more information, such as which 305 (LO3 TBI or LB9 TPI), and if any modifications have been done, most recent tune-up, what was done, SES light if any, etc.

 

tbi, most rcent things done being plugs and fuel filter. no mods as far as i know, ses light once when driving home from buyer(yes i knew it had problems), but went off after shuting off, has never come on again. and other than the fact that it stalls when put into gear, if i can manage to get it goin, it hesitates horribly, like its missing.

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of TGO

You need to start with basic check list and inspect (and replace whats needed)

For engine to run it needs air, fuel, spark, and compression.
1) Fuel - since this is a 20 year old car with god only know how many miles I would suspect that factory pump is on its last legs. Get (rent) fuel pressure test kit. Factory TBI like to see 11 to 14 PSI. Observe fuel spray from injectors - it should be a nice cone like, hitting walls.

2) Ignition - pull dizzy hat off - check rotor and cap for corrosion, carbon build up.

3) Compression - get compression gauge - verify static compression is more less the same across all 8 cylinders.

Let us know what you find.

//RF

 

i would do all the above and check for vaccum leaks as well