So my v6 91 camaro is finally coming together and after driving it down the road noticed it doesn't handle speeds over 35 mph very well and hills can be tough. Anything lower like 25 mph it runs like a champ with no problems. Seemed to have backfired at least once while driving it. Exhaust also runs very rich and smells like gas basically. Any idea as to what could be causing these issues?

 

First thought is wrong spark timing.

 

i would check the timing first, when you car is running at low speeds and rpms, the engine can run fine, but as you accelerate the engine will adjust the time, and can do so just enough to make it run like crap.

is your check engine light on?

 

Well I did just set the timing not to long ago and i guess ill check it again just incase it slipped possibly but it only has about 88k miles so I wouldnt imagine the belt could be bad. The check engine light was on for a short time for code 45 which is rich exhaust.

 

Mine did this, and it was a clogged cat. Took a sawzall to the exhaust and cut it out, car ran like a champ. Granted, I knew I was redoing the exhaust soon, so cutting it out didn't matter much.

 

Timing...mine ran rich b4 i got it tuned..and i think it was the timing.

 

Still have to check the timing but no its not the cat its brand new.