As the title says my 89 GTA (5.7 TPI) will occasionally backfire. Now mind you it is often rare that I hear it, but the other day as I was on my way to work I was riding down the road and it backfired as I let off the accelerator. Also for awhile the car has been running rich. I can smell the fuel in the gas so I figure that's part of the problem, but any more insight would help before I start tearing it apart and getting replacement parts.

 

How many miles?

Notice any changes in driving? Fuel mileage changes? Usually, when you begin to notice one issue, if you think about it carefully, you realize other stuff was going on, too, which can help you troubleshoot the underlying problem.

 

218k miles on the motor. Not sure if it was rebuilt or not. Doesn't leak at all or overheat. Doesn't use antifreeze or lose it also it barely uses any oil (maybe about half a quart in about two-three weeks). And the driving there is really no difference in that. Runs strong with no real hiccups (aside from vats giving occasional no starts). It does smell like it runs rich though. Oh and sometimes after she runs for a bit the next time I start her up she struggles and then once started the car will puff a little bit of smoke and you can smell the fuel.