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

i got it running there is a new problem

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Old Jun 15, 2010 | 12:20 AM
  #1  
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Default i got it running there is a new problem

Hey im new here and i just bought my 93 firebird
anyway i just wanted to see if anyone could tell me if or what u would think could b the problem with my car

soooo...... it will start and it only stays running for a few moments and dies u can start it back up it idles like crap and when u give it gas it feels like it wants to die???????????

Thanks

Last edited by 93FireBirD; Jun 18, 2010 at 12:31 AM. Reason: change title
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Old Jun 15, 2010 | 12:35 AM
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first of all, welcome

Sounds like that could be one of many things. Not to fear though, it usually turns out to be something simple, finding what it is the hard part


Can you give us a little more info on your car?

How many miles are on it?
When was the most recent tune-up(if you know)
Have you checked anything over yet? (Spark plugs, spark plug wires, fuel filter, ect.)
Are there any modifications done to the car, or is it a stock motor?
Have you had any work done on it?
Did the previous owner tell you anything that was "wrong" with the car?

every bit of information you'd be able to give us would be great and would multiply the chances of figuring out your problem.

again, welcome...get that thing running good and you'll never regret buying it...keep your head up
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Old Jun 15, 2010 | 12:41 AM
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Welcome my child,lol

Answer questions above and let us know.

how long will it run for before it dies out. Also when it dies out can you start it up immediately?
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Old Jun 15, 2010 | 12:46 AM
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well first of thank u

miles-about 118xxx
tune-up-- suposably what was done was plugs and wires
i have not got the chance to over look all that
car is stock
no work has bn done
the previous owner said the distributer cap needs to b done
that is about all i kno
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Old Jun 15, 2010 | 12:48 AM
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Welcome my child,lol

Answer questions above and let us know.

how long will it run for before it dies out. Also when it dies out can you start it up immediately?


to answer you the car runs for maybe a min. or two and yes it starts back up
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Old Jun 15, 2010 | 01:13 AM
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Originally Posted by 93FireBirD
well first of thank u

miles-about 118xxx
tune-up-- suposably what was done was plugs and wires
i have not got the chance to over look all that
car is stock
no work has bn done
the previous owner said the distributer cap needs to b done
that is about all i kno
The "distributor cap" comment definately throws up a red flag in my mind. You more than likely have an issue with your Optispark, which is a unique style of distributor to the LT1 motor. They are notorious for problems. It is untraditionally located at the front of your motor, under the water pump and crank hub. Many times these go bad due to moisture getting trapped in them. This is even more prone to the earlier model LT1's (like your '93) because they where unvented (newer models have vented optisparks, which allow them to last longer in many cases)

I would check over the plugs and wires, and make sure you don't have any fouled up plugs (take several of them out, and verify that they are new/in good condition). Also check for any burns or tears on your plug wires.

If it comes down to you needing a new distributor (which it very well may) get on here and let us know, we will help steer you down the right path on correctly replacing the optispark and what and what NOT to buy.
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Old Jun 15, 2010 | 01:52 AM
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might look into fuel pump too. u dont mind i ask how much you bought it for ?
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Old Jun 15, 2010 | 05:54 AM
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Welcome ! Like Master Tomos said I'd start with that opti.
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Old Jun 15, 2010 | 09:36 AM
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Originally Posted by MasterTomos
The "distributor cap" comment definately throws up a red flag in my mind. You more than likely have an issue with your Optispark, which is a unique style of distributor to the LT1 motor. They are notorious for problems. It is untraditionally located at the front of your motor, under the water pump and crank hub. Many times these go bad due to moisture getting trapped in them. This is even more prone to the earlier model LT1's (like your '93) because they where unvented (newer models have vented optisparks, which allow them to last longer in many cases)

I would check over the plugs and wires, and make sure you don't have any fouled up plugs (take several of them out, and verify that they are new/in good condition). Also check for any burns or tears on your plug wires.

If it comes down to you needing a new distributor (which it very well may) get on here and let us know, we will help steer you down the right path on correctly replacing the optispark and what and what NOT to buy.
Well thank you and i will do that all and i will get back to everyone and let u guys now what i find out
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Old Jun 15, 2010 | 09:39 AM
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Originally Posted by killagt
might look into fuel pump too. u dont mind i ask how much you bought it for ?

i will also look into the fuel pump thanks and i dont mind i got it for 1200
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Old Jun 15, 2010 | 09:45 AM
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i also for got to tell everyone....

there is no check engine light or nothing.....
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Old Jun 15, 2010 | 10:55 AM
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how long have you drive it ? the preview owner might reset the ECU. Keep driving you will get check engine light.
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Old Jun 15, 2010 | 01:46 PM
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Originally Posted by killagt
how long have you drive it ? the preview owner might reset the ECU. Keep driving you will get check engine light.
i cant drive it cuz like i said from the begining the car does not stay running for more than a few min. or less
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Old Jun 15, 2010 | 09:36 PM
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...............................
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Old Jun 15, 2010 | 09:41 PM
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Put a scanner on it, I bet you have code 16, and or 36. You can also look at your o2's to see if their working properly. If you don't have one and intend to keep your car you the scanning capabilities will help you out alot.
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Old Jun 15, 2010 | 09:45 PM
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Originally Posted by pro94lt
Put a scanner on it, I bet you have code 16, and or 36. You can also look at your o2's to see if their working properly. If you don't have one and intend to keep your car you the scanning capabilities will help you out alot.
i will check that as well thanks
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Old Jun 15, 2010 | 11:23 PM
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Apologies if I missed it, but nobody said fuel filter. A good $15.00 investment if its age isn't known... many good things have been brought up so far.
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Old Jun 16, 2010 | 09:37 AM
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Originally Posted by Gojira94
Apologies if I missed it, but nobody said fuel filter. A good $15.00 investment if its age isn't known... many good things have been brought up so far.
yes will check that to thanks...............
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Old Jun 17, 2010 | 12:25 AM
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^yea, fuel filter is something that's an easy do-it yourself thing too, completely forgot about that. I was recomended a WIX filter, it was right around $20...the filter itself is right behind the driver's side door under the car in the fuel line (obviously)...easy to do, also I'd reccomend taking a sharpie and writing the install date on it...just a good reference for everyone
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Old Jun 17, 2010 | 06:32 PM
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well guys after getting 5 gals. of gas the car started right up but still ran like crap so i went and got sum plugs it took a hour to vhange them out and now it runs good so i took it for a test drive and i went to slam the gas the car did not move????? i know it needs a trans mount but w.e else idk...............

here are sum pics of old plugs



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