This is my 1988 Pontiac Formula Firebird. Originally equipped with a 305 TBI. I swapped to a 5.7 350 TPI engine out of a 1992 Z28 Camaro. I bought the engine from Hawk's Motorsports. I was told the motor had 72k miles. I did see pictures of the car, but who knows. Hawk's lied about everything else. I bought the car with 88k miles on the odometer. The engine was replaced once already. It ran great, but the transmission was slipping. I was told before I got the car. I put a fresh rebuilt tranny in the car. I pulled the 305 TBI and installed the 5.7 TPI I got from Hawk's. The car now has 96k on the body.
STAY AWAY FROM HAWKS!!!!!!!!
DO NOT TRUST THEM!!!!!!!
I'm going to upload a very detailed video with a whole list of the money and problems they've cost me. I should have sued. I'll post more on the car.
And I'll post details on how to do the TBI to TPI swap/conversion.
The point in this video is how it idles. It is way worse than it sounds in the video. Anything will help me figure this out on the Tuned Port Injection. Any ideas?????
Reaplced:
So far I have replaced - cap(twice), rotor button(twice), plugs, wires, whole distributor, ignition control module(ICM), idle air control valve(IAC), PCV, Manifold Pressure Sensor(MAP), fuel filter(twice), fuel injectors, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, throttle position sensor(TPS), vacuum lines, O2 sensor, ignition coil,(other parts I had to replace thanks to Hawks terrible "trusted motor" were) fuel inlet and out lines off the intake, alternator, intake gaskets, starter, oil pump, oil pan, water pump, thermostat, radiator, hoses, heater core, battery cables, alternator power supply line, & I reset the timing with a timing light several times. I've pulled all the plugs and re-checked the gaps I initially put on the plugs. I have the timing at 6 advanced. I've tried zero TDC and it ran alot worse. From what I gather 6 advance is what TPI should be at.
Symptoms:
Hard starting. It had a hesitation when you
put a load on the throttle. Not all the time. And not past higher RPMs. It feels like it doesn't have all the power. You can't get it to powerbrake. Sometimes when you drop it in gear, it'll shut off. Especially if it isn't warmed up. Or when you're at a stop(i.e. on the brake) it'll try to jerk forward or push through. Other times it'll act like it's going to shut off. Alot of the time it doesn't start. it does not run smooth most the time. It will idle low and act like it's struggling to stay running. Almost like it's missing or trying to shut off. It doesn't smoke at all. Doesn't backfire. The engine light is not on. I don't know what else to replace or try. Any ideas???
Alot of these parts were either damaged thanks to Hawk's and what they, not only sent me, but how they carelessly packaged the engine, or how they stored the engine.
DO NOT BUY FROM HAWKS MOTOR SPORTS!!!!!!