Bought a 83 camaro with a v8 tpi engine that sat for 2 years without running. seller said he couldn't start vehicle either. car starts when spraying starting fluid into throttle. figured out bad fuel pump and replaced it. car starts now but turns off after a few seconds(1-2 sec). need help figuring out what is wrong with it.

 

Check the Fuel pressure. 43 psi. Did you pump the old gas out?

 

Checked fuel pressure and has brand new gas. Does anyone think that it might be bad plugs? Took off #1 plug and was "dirty" black- not oily just dirty.

 

Mike,

the just dirty plug is nothing serious. just change'em. i had the same problem on my 88 tpi. replaced the fuel pump. then car sputtered and cut off a few seconds later. then i replaced my distributer (the only thing left considering if it doesnt run its either no fuel or no fire. if it turns over good then i would say put a new distributer in it. i put a Msd in mine and denso iredium plugs and she purrs like a kitten.