Forced Induction Superchargers | Turbochargers | Intercoolers

Got an issue that I can't figure out...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 2, 2005 | 07:47 AM
  #1  
Bad Mojo's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
Default Got an issue that I can't figure out...

First the car/mods:

2002 Trans Am
STS T76 turbo w/ FMIC @ 7#
42# injectors and Racetronix fuel pump
Comp 918 springs
Jet-Hot long tubes
Wideband, Fuel Pressure, and boost gauge
TR6 plugs and Moroso wires

The problem(s) - not sure if they are related or what:

1) Cruising around at a set speed (no boost and not on cruise) I'll get an occasional hiccup where my A/F will skyrocket to 16-17 just for a brief second. This only happens after the car is hot and maybe once every couple of minutes.

2) Under boost A/F is fine, but a couple of weeks ago it started backfiring under boost. Turns out cylinder 6 was misfiring and replacing the plug made the problem go away. There was nothing visually wrong with the plug when replaced. *However* the plug wire had been laying against a header and was partially burned through (not to the core, but close). Today coming home the exact same thing happened, I was under boost and pop-pop-pop I started misfiring. I'm pretty sure I'm going to find it's cylinder 6 again.

Could the plug wire be causing my leaning while cruising and this (now) reoccuring problem with backfiring under boost? Are there other things I should be looking at (larger injectors? anything?)

Thanks much, this problem has me baffled - the car runs outstanding when it's running, but I'd like to get some ideas on what to do to get 'er fixed on a more permanent basis.

Last edited by Bad Mojo; Jul 2, 2005 at 07:22 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2005 | 11:02 AM
  #2  
NOSjohn's Avatar
Restricted User
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,692
Likes: 0
Default

First and foremost, a turbo car and the heat generated by the turbo itself is it's worst enemy. Anything you can do to cut down on the heat will be a benefit. This can include ceramic coating the turbine housing, header wrap, wire wrap/covers, bigger fans, etc. More than likely, your wires and coil packs are suffering from heat and/or are getting burned by the extreme heat generated.

Check everything: fuel lines, fuel filters, all plus wires, all coil packs - make sure all are in good working order without breaks, flow or inadequate response.

The lean spike could be from the computer seeing issues with something electrical - wires or packs. Check them for continuity.
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2005 | 05:51 PM
  #3  
Bad Mojo's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by NOSjohn
First and foremost, a turbo car and the heat generated by the turbo itself is it's worst enemy. Anything you can do to cut down on the heat will be a benefit. This can include ceramic coating the turbine housing, header wrap, wire wrap/covers, bigger fans, etc. More than likely, your wires and coil packs are suffering from heat and/or are getting burned by the extreme heat generated.

Check everything: fuel lines, fuel filters, all plus wires, all coil packs - make sure all are in good working order without breaks, flow or inadequate response.

The lean spike could be from the computer seeing issues with something electrical - wires or packs. Check them for continuity.
Thanks John! With the turbo in the back I'm fairly safe from a lot of underhood heat, but with the headers I'm sure it gets it's fair share. You hit on what I think is the problem, that #6 plug wire that's getting eaten up on that header. I'm going to buy a new set of wires... Is there a wrap for plug wires that will let them withstand the heat a little better? Thinking back (pre A/F gauge) I think I may have been getting these symptoms before the turbo install, with just the headers - I may have to look into some header wrap as well it seems
Reply
Old Jul 3, 2005 | 10:14 PM
  #4  
NOSjohn's Avatar
Restricted User
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,692
Likes: 0
Default

Yes, they make wire jackets for your plug wires. Make sure you have good fuel pressure in the lines with and without the car running. Rip the throttle a few times while watching a good fuel pressure gauge and see if it goes down. Always check the basics first....I've learned that the hard way.
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2005 | 05:38 AM
  #5  
Bad Mojo's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by NOSjohn
Yes, they make wire jackets for your plug wires. Make sure you have good fuel pressure in the lines with and without the car running. Rip the throttle a few times while watching a good fuel pressure gauge and see if it goes down. Always check the basics first....I've learned that the hard way.
Thanks for the help man

I have an autometer fuel pressure gauge, it reads 58-60psi all the time (both with the car running and off). I have no idea if that's good or not though
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2005 | 07:35 AM
  #6  
frcefed98's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,907
Likes: 6
From: Albuquerque, NM
Default

I use to get lean readings like that on my WBO2 when I had my AIR pump hooked up. It'd pump a small amount of air into the exhaust and the WBO2 would pick it up right away. Don't know it might be it if you still have your air pump hooked up.
Easy to turn off if you have a editing tool.
J
Reply
Old Jul 4, 2005 | 02:00 PM
  #7  
Bad Mojo's Avatar
Thread Starter
On The Tree
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by frcefed98
I use to get lean readings like that on my WBO2 when I had my AIR pump hooked up. It'd pump a small amount of air into the exhaust and the WBO2 would pick it up right away. Don't know it might be it if you still have your air pump hooked up.
Easy to turn off if you have a editing tool.
J
That's definitely worth a look as well! No editing tool here, but I'm bought into my local F-Bod shops LS1 Edit... unlimited useage - I will have them do a quit check next time I'm in, thanks!
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:46 AM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE