Feels like it's missing... ??

[94GTPilot]

For the past few months, my car has been driving pretty well, but when I accelerate, it feels like something is really holding it back, like it doesn't want to hit the higher RPMs easily. When I shift, it seems to want to fall on its face pretty quick when I put in the clutch (RPMs drop very quickly). Every now and then, while accelerating, it almost feels like a short, quick burst of..... easiest way to describe it is like a quick burst of extra power. Very weird, and kind of hard to describe, but I'm thinking that maybe it's not firing on all cylinders?

Does this make sense to anyone? I tried looking through past threads, but not exactly sure where to start... any pointers?

 

[HISSIN50]

See if your timing adjustment walked (because the hold-down came loose). Before making any tweaks, mark the Dizzy-to-lower-intake relationship in case you need to get back where you are (if your balancer walked).

To check for a miss, if it occurs while the car is stationary, you can run a cylinder balance test after pulling codes.

Good luck.

 

[94GTPilot]

Cylinder balance test? and should I get a code reader and post results first?

 

[HISSIN50]

Cylinder balance test? and should I get a code reader and post results first?

YOu can run a CBT after pulling KOER codes. The puter will shut off fuel to each cylinder and note the RPM drop each time. If the engine doesn't drop a given amount of RPM when a cylinder stops receiving fuel, the puter notes this and tells you (because that cylinder is not contributing as much as it should). It's a neat test because it's a lot more sensitive than our ears.

You can pull codes with a test light or jumper wire, or you can buy a code reader. If doing the latter-most, go with the LCD screen version (30 dollars at CSK or some Wallymarts).

There are myriad pages about pulling codes (google) but here's one.

Good luck.

 

[BlackVert]

check the spark plug wires

 

[94GTPilot]

Might be an "out there" question, but if I'm still running the original spark plug wires (as far as I'm aware of), would buying new ones not only be a good idea, but would I be able to tell any difference as far as how the car runs?

 

[blksn955.o]

I dont know if every 5.0 is the same but my dizzy and block(stock and this new one) are already marked with from the factory. There is a line on the dizzy that I have noticed when its at 10* lines up with a line in the block.

The line can be seen if you look at the base of the dizzy were it "touches" the block.

Try a basic tune up (sounds like you could use one anyway) and clean your MAF as gunk and oil will booger it up and moreso if you have a K&N or like filter with oil on it. The oil will in some cases get sucked off the filter and get cought on the MAF wires causing an issue.