I'm really running out of ideas of what could be wrong with my car. Its an 86 firebird with a 2.8L. Problems started last summer when the car seemed like it was slipping when it was shifting. I had a mechanic look at it quickly and he simply told me that the engine wasn't making enough power. I can start the car now and it will idle decently but if I turn the wheel all the way to one side or put the car in drive the car starts shaking and engine stops soon after

I've checked everything to do with ignition. I've changed the ignition coil, module and pick up coil. I got a re-maned MAF, also changed the coolant temp sensor, IAC valve. All of which pretty much have no mileage on them, maybe just some time idling. There is also no cat, and fuel filter has been changed.

Checked compression too, all cylinders were between 150-165. I remember i ohmed the injectors last summer and it seemed ok. All of the spark plugs were covered in black soot. Also smells like gas abit when its running.

I'm not getting any codes either. Only problem that I know of for sure is a leaky exhaust manifold but it was leaking before any problems started showing up. I've checked for vacuum leaks but can't find anything significant. A friend told me that a leak big enough to cause this much loss of power you'd easily be able to hear.

I'm running out of ideas and don't know what to check now. Could it be the ECU? O2 sensor? Leaky injectors? Any help would be appreciated

 

What's your initial timing set at?

 

Leaking vacuum.

 

Timing is couple degrees ahead of 10*. The closer it gets to 10, the worse the problem gets.

Wouldn't a vacuum leak have to be huge for just the power steering to make the engine stall?? I have a hard time believing that that is the only problem. Is there anywhere I should be looking for leaks in particular?