I have a 1988 Formula 350 and needless to say i cant have the thing scanned because of age, and it being wrecked. I first got the car and was told it was unable to be run because of sporatic backfiring, poor idle, and stalling. So i changed all fluids checked circuits and ran it just perfect for about 2 hours. The next day i noticed it did exactly what the previous owner described. But its here to stay, after some diagnosing i found that dissconecting the EST (black/tan) wire was a remedy, it would idle crappy until warm, but it did the trick. The wires are fine, and the ESC, and ignition module under the distributer are all still connected. The EST wire is in good condition with no kinks or burns, should this lead me to believe my computer has been fried? (the computer is original, and it has been jumpstarted with a charger many times)

 

any thoughts? the cap, wires, and ignition module in it are all new.

 

Good news aparently the ECM chip was simply not seated well. I took the computer apart too look for visual damage, and there was none to be found. So i reaseated the chip and just for the hell of it gave the key a turn. Well she started up with absolutley no delay, idled like a beast and revved with all the power it has. Everyone told me to ditch TPI, but why ditch it if a 17 year old can fix it?