I encountered a strange problem with my car today. I drove it yesterday and it ran fine, actually it ran really good. Today I drove it to work and near the end of the trip I started noticing a popping sound coming from the engine compartment. I remarked to myself "that sounds like detonation". I noticed that I was getting low on gas, as as the car has been sitting for some time I though it may just be down to the bottom of the tank sucking up varnish and crud. So at lunch I ran out and filled it up with premium. No change. When I got back to work I pulled out my timign light and checked base timing. It was about 14 degrees just like always. I took it back to 0 and ran the car down the driveway. No change. At 0 I would think it would run on 87 octane.

A little history on the motor: Goodwrench 350 swappd in before I bought the car. Engine has TPI with 24 lbs/hr injectors and a custom burned PROM from TPIS. Previous owner used a gear drive, so I do not run the knock sensor in the block. I have it inline and grounded so I don't get a check engine light. I had some very minor detonation about a year ago that I got rid of completely by backing the base timing off 2 degrees. I've never been completely certain where TDC is, I've just timed it by ear and that's worked out fine up until now.

Could this type of thing be caused by a faulty module or other electrical issues?

Is this more likely a mechanical problem like a spun balancer or other issue?

Any help would be great, as I'm stumped.

 

A lean condition can also contribute to chamber heating and detonation. If your fuel filter was slugged by debris from the bottom of the tank (sucking it dry) it may be restricting fuel flow. A pressure and flow check would answer that right away.

 

I'll check the rail pressure when I finally get some time to troubleshoot it. Thanks for the idea. I'll post back with my findings.