Trickflow kit installed on 88gt with problems!

[robertdale]

I have the top end kit installed on an 88gt and I am having a problem. It surges bad at idle which I expected for a Speed Density car. Also It pops bad and doesn't want to accelerate low on power and runs rough. Things I have done... Checked for vac leaks(none) Set timing at 12*btdc, plug wires are on right. All the spark plugs are completely black!, No water in oil.
Only thing I can think of is the valves are not adjusted correctly. I tried to use the exhaust starting to open adjust intake method but I couldn't get it to run right. So I did as the instruction said to get TDC then find 0 lash and tighten 1/2--3/4 turn on each valve. If the valve are not adjusted correctly will it cause my problem

 

[310stanger]

SPEED DENSITY! lol that cam is freaking out your speed density. yes the valve adjustment can affect how the car runs but them being loose or tight wont make the engine pop. ignition timing will. you need to convert to MAF.

 

[Nopantz]

i second that MAF is the way to go

 

[here4advice]

My friend has an 88 and when we changed his intake from the stocker to the systemax, we had about the same problem, all of th eplugs were black, it didnt really have the power we were hoping for, so we reinstalled the stock, only to still have the same problem. As we were looking around we noticed that we forgot to put the Vacuum line that runs to the map sensor back on because the systemax didnt have as many attachments, after we hooked up the hose it solved all of our problems. Not saying that is you prob but it is deff worth checking out.

 

[Roland69]

look for a speed density friendly cam

 

[robertdale]

I think I might have found my problem. When we disassembled the the car we left the plugs wires on the ground and rained all over them for a few days. Also I am changing out the coil to eliminate that problem. I tried a different distributer and that didn't help the problem. The vac lines are on correct. It seems that too much fuel with not enough spark.

 

[Mustang5L5]

The TFS Stage 1 cam is somewhat SD friendly.....even so, with the mods you have just done, i'd convert to MA

 

[robertdale]

well I have replaced the plug wires and coil. Still same problem. The plugs are completely black (don't smell like gas just carbon that wipes off). It runs but pops and has no power won't spin the tires. It starts as soon as you crank it up. It wont idle unless you give it gas. Does this sound like I need to convert to Mass air. I don't want to convert just to have the same problem. What could I have done wrong in the cam and heads install that is causing this problem?

 

[FobraR]

Did you change the tb at all? If so you need to check the tps voltage. If not, have you adjusted the stock tb to raise the base idle? If so you still need to check the tps voltage and set it correctly.

Pull the codes and let us know.

 

[mattmcdan]

I have a FMS mass air conversion kit Id be willing to part with.

 

[795.0pacecar]

You made sure the map sensor was plugged in right? Check the codes and see what the computer tells you is wrong.

 

[robertdale]

Stock throttle body. I raised the idle to work with the cam. The TPS is at .98 Volts. I made sure everything was plugged in. Even tried swapping out MAP sensor with one from another car, no better. What can pulling codes tell me other than lots of sensors out? Nothing that should affect how it runs at WOT since most are bypassed at that point. Thanks for the replies keep them coming we can figure it out.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Did you install 24# injectors as well??

 

[gcwh02]

I think I might have found my problem. When we disassembled the the car we left the plugs wires on the ground and rained all over them for a few days. Also I am changing out the coil to eliminate that problem. I tried a different distributer and that didn't help the problem. The vac lines are on correct. It seems that too much fuel with not enough spark.

spray some WD40 in the wires to clear out the moisture

 

[robertdale]

No I left the stock injectors in. It is flooding because the fumes will make you woozzy. I have the stock fuel pump and injectors in. What could cause it to run the plugs black and smell rich?

 

[Mustang5L5]

Run the check engine codes and see what the computer doesn't like. It could narrow things down a bit.

 

[robertdale]

I'll try that tomorrow thanks..

 

[ninety15.0]

whats the fuel pressure set at...how bout vacuum. You need to get a vacuum gage on there and see how its idling. My suspicion is that you have either a vac issue or a problem with the valves. What was your method for determining "zero lash"....had you ever done it before. New lifters?...were they primed or did you set them with the lifter collapsed? we need a little more info

 

[DMAN302]

My guess is the Sd system is really not tolerating the vac signal provided by the cam and causing the car to run exceptionally rich. Mine exhibited simular problems when still sd and was the reason I did the swap. Also as mentioned above pull the codes and see what the cars trying to tell you.

 

[robertdale]

This is the first time I have installed a cam. I've done heads and intake before on my 1994. I have never adjusted roller stud mount rockers before. I adjusted them as the instruction said it didn't run right. Then I readjusted them again and same thing. I find 0 lash by loosening all rockers letting it set for a few min. Then tighten both rockers on TDC #1 till there is no up/down movement, go 1/2 turn and lock them down. Move on to #3 at TDC do same thing. These are the stock lifters. Fuel pressure stock at 39. factory pump and injectors.