i have changed absolutly nothing...i did recent break my 3.42's and installed my factory 2.73's in my car till i can find a good used set...

i have been noticing that it isnt running how it used to "down low"...and every time i let of the gas like after 5 or 10 sec of WOT it will back fire loud through the exhaust...

i drive the p!ss out of my car about 24/7 so i know its not my driving style causing the gas mileage problem...

also when i leave it running and sitting it smells very rich, but i have no codes or ses light or anything...

do you think my problem could be a bad maf sensor?

please all opinion avaliable...

steve!

p.s...last tune up about 2,300miles ago(wires,plugs,fuelfilter,airfilter cleaned,intake elbow on tight)

i checked them all i thought? oh, the the valve cover breather hose thing-a-ma-jig is cracked and barley on the t.b.

 

bad o2 sensors?

 

I agree with the post above and look to replace the O2 sensors. But first fix the leak with your valve cover/TB line. This is part of the PCV system and you're letting unmetered air into your system throwing off your air/fuel ratio.

 

In order


1: Bad O2 sensor(s)
2: Bad Fuel Filter (replace it anyway)
3: Clogged Cat (if you have cat/s)
4: Bad Air and/or vacuum leak somewhere
5: Non-Firing cylinder (Burnt wire, bad plug, bad connection somewhere, etc)

 

Bingo...! That's your problem...

With 3.42's, you're getting up to driving speed much quicker, and then letting off the gas.

With 2.73's, it's much worse, are you're mashing the pedal much longer to get to a given speed. You said you 'drive the **** out of it' - my guess it's in the city, where 2.73's would suffer more than a taller gear. (I have 2.73's)

What is your miles/tank before and after..?

 

i use to get close to 200-210 to a tank... so yeah the gear thing might be the deal i hope!

thank,
steve.