ok we just changd the spark plugs and wires (also the car was just recently purchased) other than that the car is completely stock. After the install, my friend sprayed some degreaser on the top of the block and hosed her down. At start up the car was reving (idling)kinda wierd. After driving a bit she started to buck, my tach died and the car eventually cuts off. Now (tach seems to work)we are thinking the cats are backed up because there is a bad egg type smell coming from the car. Once she gets going she runs but rough, at a stop she starts to buck and wont rev. This is the dual cat system. Please help

 

Opti.

Been there, done that..

The tach kinda gives it away..

 

Opti's don't like water much, and your friend spraying it down probably killed it. Have fun!!!

 

That will also happen with clogged cats (especially since you mentioned bad egg smell) but it sounds like you killed the opti.

 

should we just drop the cats and see (we busted one of the bolts trying to bring it down already so I'm scared that we'll mess that up more)and do a process of elimination?

 

wait a day or 2 and see if the opti dries out.

 

You can disconnect the AIR fittings and run it like that or make a nickel size hole before the cats to test it. My stock cat was welded to the y-pipe so I couldn't unbolt it, but if you can, then give that a try if it's easier for you.

 

like turbo_z said, you have a 96 which means you have a vented opti. If it is just water in your opti wait probably 2 days and it should all be dried up (as long as its not in rain)... it happens a lot when you go through puddles too.

 

now it runs somewhat ok but when you rev it up it starts to detonate, then it clears up over 2000 rpm

 

I have seen several optis go bad due to water, and none of them have ever survived the intial spray.

I'd say its toast, order a new one. Seriously just a little water can kill these things, let alone spraying down the engine. Never spray down an engine without covering the electrical components anyways. My advice is to hand wash and LT1 engine.

Order a new opti.

- Z28WannaB