Misfiring

[Mike]

I had a slight misfire in my 95 T/A and decided to change the plugs. The misfire is worse now and is now backfiring. The gap is correct on all the plugs. Plug wires all look good and are seated.

One thing I noticed is there is a spot in the intake stock elbow that has rotted away (hoping none of the plastics went into the intake) right where it clamps at the intake. I am looking for a new one of these and hopefully can get it cheap. Also the opti harness connector tab is broke off. I think this is probably where the original miss started as I can see when the motor is running causing this to vibrate around not being latched down. Any ideas on where to get a new one of these cheap? Tight month coming up with daughters birthday and my wife and I's anniversary and plates on our durango. Dont want the bird sitting too long. And it is my daily driver so I need to get this thing running better fast.

[Too Fast]

I've fought with the Opti-spark a few times, with some success and some failure. But my first thought is to double check the plug wires to be certain they are seated all the way on the plugs since you said the car runs rougher now and all you did was change the plugs.

And yes, the harness connector needs to be locked down, can you do that with a zip tie for a temporary fix? Otherwise, it may be time for a new Opti spark.

[Mike]

Well finally heard something from the dealership today. Car has been at the GM / Pontiac dealership for a couple days now and they said they are sure it is the opti spark distributor. So the dealership I bought the car from is ordering one and I should be back up and running by the end of the week.

Pontiac dealer wanted $714 for the distributor. Sounds a little high for me. Glad it is under warranty. But knowing the car lot I bought the car from they will order a cheap aftermarket one and install it. I sent them the link to the lady person on ebay that people have recommended on other boards and has good reviews. And believe they sell them for cheaper than the aftermarket ones.

[Too Fast]

Let's hope it fixes the issue. Keep us informed.

[Mike]

Got the bird back today. Not running 100% but running a lot better than it was before they got it. Still has a little miss but I will take care of that next month with some new plugs and wires and gonna take the intake off and get it all nice and clean. Also thinking about running some seafoam through it and see what that will do. Has a new opti, intake elbow, and water pump.

Also think that I will need to get an LT4 knock module soon to take care of the missing totally. I hear with the headers on it, that the spark may advance because the LT1 knock module will pick up the noise from the headers.

Just so nice to have my baby back and not have to drive my wife's durango. Trading durango in for a minivan this weekend so definately don't want the bird in the shop again for this long. I don't know how it will be going from muscle to soccer mom mobile and don't want to find out.