LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Help please.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 30, 2009 | 09:23 PM
  #1  
scj's Avatar
scj
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
iTrader: (89)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 23
Question Help please.

ok, so here's my problem...


i have a 1997 z28, and it's misfiring.
it runs and drives great, the only time while driving that i can feel the misfire is when i'm at low rpm in 5-6th gear as it vibrates a little. other than that it drives fine.I know I've got a problem with my IAC valve cause the car idles at 1.5k and is throwing a code for it, so that's in need of replacing... idk if that would cause the misfire, but that's just a bonus to the problem. As far as the misfire goes i'm throwing P0300, i replaced my plugs with NGK tr55's, and replaced my spark plug wires with factory replacement wires, and the misfire's still there. none of my wires are touching anything, and nothing is arching off anything either. the thing that's really throwing me for a loop is this: when i start the motor cold, there's no misfire for at least 2-5 mins, then once it gets a little warm it starts to misfire. i can hear a popping sound through the exhaust and once the engine's warm it keeps missing, even after killed then started again.

i was going to replace the coil next, and if that doesn't fix it i was going to replace the ICM and so on with the optispark, but before i spend any more money on this thing, i want some input.

what the hell's going on? haha.
i'm clueless.
Reply
Old May 1, 2009 | 07:29 AM
  #2  
scj's Avatar
scj
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
iTrader: (89)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 23
Default

anyone?
Reply
Old May 1, 2009 | 07:47 AM
  #3  
moehorsepower's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 17
From: Texas
Default

OK, First sign you say after it warms up it starts to misfire, if this happens only when it hits closed loop then it could be O2's, do you have a scanner to view the movement?, Second what did the old plugs look like, black? Usually the coil will react with heat but it pretty much will just kill the motor, the ICM will not let the car start and of course it could be the good ole opti. Remember codes will usually not be thrown by items such as the O2's unless they are dead,
Reply
Old May 1, 2009 | 08:16 AM
  #4  
scj's Avatar
scj
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
iTrader: (89)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 23
Default

ok, then that rules out the coil and icm because the car stays started and i don't have any issues with it not starting any time.

as far as the scanner to view the movement, what do you mean?
an OBDII scanner?

as far as the OBDII scanner goes i've gotten it scanned, and the codes it's throwing are
P0300-multiple cylinder misfire.
p0400-EGR malfunction
P1657-IAC valve Bad.

as far as the old plugs went they looked pretty worn out, and black.
what's this mean?

after the plug and wire replacement the car seems to run better, but still has the miss after warm up.

hmmm.
Reply
Old May 1, 2009 | 08:35 AM
  #5  
ALEXZ28's Avatar
Launching!
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
Default

my brothers camaro was doing that with bad 02 sensors. id try to replace them see what happens.
Reply
Old May 1, 2009 | 09:47 AM
  #6  
scj's Avatar
scj
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
iTrader: (89)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 23
Default

well i was wanting to delete my cat to begin with, how would i go about doing this without throwing off the o2 sensors?

could i unplug them and short them out, so the computer thinks they're reading right?

i'm completely lost, and i'm really fed up with trying to fix this car. haha.

i do have a cut-out after the cat, could this cause anything?
Reply
Old May 1, 2009 | 09:47 AM
  #7  
moehorsepower's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 17
From: Texas
Default

Originally Posted by scj
ok, then that rules out the coil and icm because the car stays started and i don't have any issues with it not starting any time.

as far as the scanner to view the movement, what do you mean?
an OBDII scanner?

as far as the OBDII scanner goes i've gotten it scanned, and the codes it's throwing are
P0300-multiple cylinder misfire.
p0400-EGR malfunction
P1657-IAC valve Bad.

as far as the old plugs went they looked pretty worn out, and black.
what's this mean?

after the plug and wire replacement the car seems to run better, but still has the miss after warm up.

hmmm.
What I meant by scanning the O2's is looking at the movement of the millivolts, they should be jumping all around, you say that the plugs look black, So now I am inclined to say that it is leading to your O2s's. When it warms up it goes into closed loop which the fueling relies on feed back from the O2 sensors, does it drive rough as low speeds but fairly well at WOT? is so then it is definetly your sensors, Change them out and you should be OK, but you will probably have to change the plugs again, NEVER clean fuel fouled plugs even it they were only in for a short while, Not a good idea...
Reply
Old May 1, 2009 | 10:55 AM
  #8  
sdm1234's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
15 Year Member
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 1
From: Holland Twp/Milford, New Jersey
Default

I had this very problem with my car and it ended up to be the EGR valve.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-3

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-7

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Five Reasons the Camaro Was the Most Pivotal Player in the Pony Car Wars 2.0

 Brett Foote
story-9

10 Reasons the LS7 Is GM's Most Extreme Naturally Aspirated V8 Engine Ever

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 1, 2009 | 11:09 AM
  #9  
scj's Avatar
scj
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
iTrader: (89)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 23
Default

well i'm getting a code for the egr valve, but i was just thinking that the reason it was throwing the code was because of the misfire.

as far as the o2's go, i have all stock exhaust except for a cutout right under the reat seats, would this cause anything extra? the cutout seems to be putting out alot of black ****, not smoke, just **** on the bottom of the car, is this normal exhaust **** or what?

i was thinking of cutting out the cat though, how would i go about doing so with the o2 sensors reading that it was lean?
Reply
Old May 1, 2009 | 11:17 AM
  #10  
ss.slp.ls1's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
15 Year Member
iTrader: (36)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,184
Likes: 28
From: Orange County, CA
Default

Originally Posted by scj
ok, so here's my problem...


i have a 1997 z28, and it's misfiring.
it runs and drives great, the only time while driving that i can feel the misfire is when i'm at low rpm in 5-6th gear as it vibrates a little. other than that it drives fine.I know I've got a problem with my IAC valve cause the car idles at 1.5k and is throwing a code for it, so that's in need of replacing... idk if that would cause the misfire, but that's just a bonus to the problem. As far as the misfire goes i'm throwing P0300, i replaced my plugs with NGK tr55's, and replaced my spark plug wires with factory replacement wires, and the misfire's still there. none of my wires are touching anything, and nothing is arching off anything either. the thing that's really throwing me for a loop is this: when i start the motor cold, there's no misfire for at least 2-5 mins, then once it gets a little warm it starts to misfire. i can hear a popping sound through the exhaust and once the engine's warm it keeps missing, even after killed then started again.

i was going to replace the coil next, and if that doesn't fix it i was going to replace the ICM and so on with the optispark, but before i spend any more money on this thing, i want some input.

what the hell's going on? haha.
i'm clueless.
Seems like you have good troubleshooting skills, you are replacing parts in the correct order.
A coil is cheap, if it's got some decent mileage, might as well throw a new one on.
If you have a code for the EGR valve, I would remove it and clean it thoroughly and put it back on.
Like someone else mentioned, it sounds like you have an open loop/closed loop issue. That would make me suspect the MAF or the o2's. I would replace the o2's and clean the MAF.
Another thing to consider is cold/hot issue. I would perform the ICM cooling mod at the same time as you replace your o2's and see if your symptoms disappear.
Reply
Old May 1, 2009 | 11:30 AM
  #11  
Breathing Fire's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
From: Pocatello Idaho
Default

For your post cat sensor question you have to either delete the codes in the computer or buy an o2 sim that fools the computer into thinking the cat is still there. Done both and both work well.
Reply
Old May 1, 2009 | 12:30 PM
  #12  
sdm1234's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
15 Year Member
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 1
From: Holland Twp/Milford, New Jersey
Default

Originally Posted by scj
well i'm getting a code for the egr valve, but i was just thinking that the reason it was throwing the code was because of the misfire.
Usually, it's the other way around.
Reply
Old May 1, 2009 | 02:37 PM
  #13  
scj's Avatar
scj
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
iTrader: (89)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 23
Default uggh

Originally Posted by ss.slp.ls1
A coil is cheap, if it's got some decent mileage, might as well throw a new one on.
If you have a code for the EGR valve, I would remove it and clean it thoroughly and put it back on.
Like someone else mentioned, it sounds like you have an open loop/closed loop issue. That would make me suspect the MAF or the o2's. I would replace the o2's and clean the MAF.
Another thing to consider is cold/hot issue. I would perform the ICM cooling mod at the same time as you replace your o2's and see if your symptoms disappear.
regarding the coil, i'm pretty sure it's working good only like 50,104 miles on the motor, and i don't have any problems with it starting, which leads me to rule the coil out of the suspected problem... although i figured doing the icm cooling mod wouldn't hurt anything just in case.

as far as the o2's go they have suspected 148k on them, which is probably my problem, but which one's should i replace, there are four. two before the cat, and two after the cat, should i replace them all or just the two after the cat? they're 50-80 bucks a pop.

and regarding the MAF, it's brand new. i just replaced it last week, so that can't be the problem.
and last but not least, how do i go about removing and cleaning the EGR valve?

Originally Posted by moehorsepower
What I meant by scanning the O2's is looking at the movement of the millivolts, they should be jumping all around, you say that the plugs look black, So now I am inclined to say that it is leading to your O2s's. When it warms up it goes into closed loop which the fueling relies on feed back from the O2 sensors, does it drive rough as low speeds but fairly well at WOT? is so then it is definitely your sensors, Change them out and you should be OK, but you will probably have to change the plugs again, NEVER clean fuel fouled plugs even it they were only in for a short while, Not a good idea...
how do i scan for movements of the millivolts for the o2's
and as far as driving goes, the car does drive rough at low speeds around town, but a WOT it drives fine.
again, which o2's should i change out, all of the four, or the ones after the cat?

Originally Posted by Breathing Fire
For your post cat sensor question you have to either delete the codes in the computer or buy an o2 sim that fools the computer into thinking the cat is still there. Done both and both work well.
how do i go about deleting the codes in the computer and if not that, where can i get an o2 simulator for 1997 z28?
Reply
Old May 1, 2009 | 03:34 PM
  #14  
ss.slp.ls1's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
15 Year Member
iTrader: (36)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8,184
Likes: 28
From: Orange County, CA
Default

You should definitely change your o2's if they have that much mileage. You need two AC Delco o2 sensors (flat 4 prong style) for the front two oxygen sensors. The front two are the ones that actually affect performance. The rear two only monitor the catalytic converters.

As far as monitoring them goes, you need a scanner that can read real time data. Once in closed loop, the o2's should be oscillating between 0-900mV consistently.

With 50k on the coil, and taking into account that they are only like 30 bucks or whatever, I'd replace it.

You can tune out your codes (emissions codes and other unnecessary codes) with a mail order tune from MadTuner.com. It's also beneficial to gain some horsepower and make your car run better.
Reply
Old May 4, 2009 | 03:40 PM
  #15  
scj's Avatar
scj
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
iTrader: (89)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 23
Default

okay, so here's the deal...

i'm only pulling codes.
p0400-egr
p0300-misfire.

if it was an o2 sensor causing this issue, wouldn't it be throwing a code?
Reply
Old May 5, 2009 | 08:28 AM
  #16  
moehorsepower's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 17
From: Texas
Default

[QUOTE=scj;11526685]
can for movements of the millivolts for the o2's
and as far as driving goes, the car does drive rough at low speeds around town, but a WOT it drives fine.
again, which o2's should i change out, all of the four, or the ones after the cat?


Like I said, Please read the post of info, it at low speeds it runs rough and at WOT its fine then is is most definetly your two "FRONT" O2's, Change the front ones, replace the plugs and you should be done...
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:40 AM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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
story-8
Five Reasons the Camaro Was the Most Pivotal Player in the Pony Car Wars 2.0

The world was a better place when it was still around.

By Brett Foote | 2026-01-23 09:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Reasons the LS7 Is GM's Most Extreme Naturally Aspirated V8 Engine Ever

Slideshow: The 7.0-liter LS7 was designed for absolute cutting-edge performance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-07 18:36:00


VIEW MORE