I've got a '90 305 TBI with a 5 speed. Originally I thought my problem was simply a bad o-ring in my injectors. Changed the o-ring and the injector still didnt hit right so I replaced them both. After that, it ran like it was in a desperate need of a tune-up so I grabbed plugs wires cap & rotor. Neglected the rest as thats all budget was good for atm.

Car also has TBI spacer and injector spacer from the P.O. Seemed to run good with them originally so I left 'em.

Now it runs the worst it ever has. The car will start every time. However, will only stay running about half the time. When it does stay running it misses really bad at idle and when given gas it chokes, backfires and shoots a cloud of black smoke out the back. If I try driving it I have to bring it up to about 2k rpm to take off or it will die on me. Takes a country mile to even get up to speed. I dont have alot of tools or a big budget to work with but I've got a little know-how. If you can help me, you'd be my savior!

 

What's your fuel pressure? Get a gauge and check it. Have you changed your fuel filter? What is your timing set at?

Is this something that came on suddenly or has gotten worse over time?

 

Like I said, I dont have much for tools due to some recent family issues so I dont have a timing light or any of that just some basic hand tools.

This problem came suddenly after changing the injectors. It seemed as if my problem changed every time I replaced something.

I havent even been able to work with no car so going out and buying tools and new parts is kinda out of the question for me.

 

So this problem was going on before you swapped the injectors? Means its most likely not the injectors then.

How long has it been doing this? Without tools, either borrowed or rented, not much we can do to help you troubleshoot.

It could be the pump going bad, not sending enough fuel, clogged filter, bad sensors, any number of things.

Is it throwing any codes? Does your check engine/ses light flash when the car is on?