Burden

I have a 91' Firebird... 3.1 V6... i have had it for 3 years. I replaced all spark plugs and wires. The tps and everything. It will start, rev real high, the bog down. It sounds like is is about to die but doesn't. When i hit the gas it sputters real bad, then dies. I have no idea whats wrong.... I NEED HELP!

camaronewbie

Recheck firing order, and test all plug wires with an ohm meter to make sure they are good - new wires doesn't mean good wires - they should ohm out to almost zero (100% continuity).

KnightmareCS

iTrader: (7)

^ Following that, try the old wires?

rgarcia63

OEM does not use zero ohm wires.
Best to use 500-800 ohms per foot (for radio frequency and electromagnetic interference.)
Yes, visual check is important, better to check for arcing when motor is running at night, or in a dark garage.
Also have ignition module, and coil tested at parts store.

camaronewbie

I was just generalizing that should be almost zero - in other words no breaks internally - I've bought alot of plug wires new that had breaks since the manufacturer's don't test the wires after they are cut, they test the roll before it's cut.

ASE doc

Are you sure you installed the TPS correctly? Recheck your work.

rgarcia63

I assumed that was what you were saying, and I'm not trying to contradict you, but someone without knowing it would have gone an thrashed a good set of wires because 500 ohms is a long way from almost zero.
Today's wires are internally fragile after installation the resistance can jump a couple of hundred ohms due their carbon particle construction - wire in this case is a misnomer because there is no wire. They are a maintenance item that I replace on a yearly basis sooner if I mess with them to diagnose, or to get at other things.
Spark plugs may last 100,000 miles, but wires definitely will not. Wire wound ignition wire is more expensive, and is plagued with its own problems, but are better and do last longer.

ASE doc

Just a note on this thread. A quality set of ignition wires should last 60K miles if properly installed to prevent chafing or other damage. Beyond 60K, wires will fail and can be hard to pinpoint since they may pass a resistance test and still not transfer KV adequately.

HEI secondary wire resistance, high limit, is 30K ohms per wire. I generally figure 6,000 ohms per foot when testing to be on the safe side.