I recently purchased a 1989 350 IROC.

The previous owner insatlled headers and and msd distributor and removed the EGR system.

The car is very hard to start and when it does try and start it hits at random before it settles into idling poorly and backfiring, now and then it will run somewhat smoother but still is very rich in all cases.

The previous owner said it was running well before the xmission failed. I replaced the auto with a manual and now trying to get it to run. I have checked the vacuum lines and found one that went to the EGR disconnected and not plugged, I plugged it and this made no difference. The vacuum seems to be good as tested with a finger over the end before closing. I doubt that the engine was running well as I found the 2 and 4 plug wires reversed and corrected this problem. Things got a little better but still not good. The only code it is throwing is 32 (EGR).

You guys that have removed the EGR may have some insight into what was missed or done correctly. I would really appreciate some guidance in getting the dang thing running.

I have an 88 that I want to put in for garage surgery but want this one to drive while I work on my real baby.

Thanks for any help offerd.

 

I'm guessing the EGR isnt at fault here.

The stock injectors are a big problem on our cars. Get an ohm meter and measure the resistance of each injector. It should be around 14-16 ohms when cold, and higher than 12 ohms when hot. If any are less than 12 ohms its a bad one.

 

Thank you, I will check that tomorrow when I get home from work.

 

+1 on EGR not causing your problems.
With it running so badly before I'd suspect at least a couple of the plugs may be mostly fouled. You might want to replace the plugs before troubleshooting further.