I just recently purchased a 94 Z convertible. Picked up what appeared to be gas knock.... I now have a very bad miss in engine.... only 60000 miles on engine. Computer reads no codes..... Shop said it could be wires or distributor or computer..... I was going to start with plugs and wires but upon inspection..... was wondering about best way to get at the passenger side plug wires.............

 

check the plugs wires for any burned up ones. Start it up at night with the lights off, if there is a firework show, there is the problem to start with. If not, go onto other things such as fuel pump/filter and other ignition stuff.

 

Haven't really seen any fireworks but my catalytic converter gets a very fine shade of cherry red after a short run time...

 

could be clogged... that would cause some problems too...

 

One possible scenario - Misfires cause the engine to run rich. Running rich results in the fuel burning on the cat, causing it to glow. Damages the convertor, may plug it up.

But, running rich generally does not go along with knock (detonation).

Can you actually hear "knock"? If you can, there's a serious problem, since the knock sensor should "hear" the knock way before you can, and retard the timing. Either the system isn't retarding the timing, or the knock is so bad the system can't pull enough timing.

 

knock is gone just about just misses fairly badly..... In drive and in park.....