i figured it would be in the PCM an yes lol the timing light is pretty amusing to shoot at people, i havent had anything changed yet, but could fouled plugs be a culprit? i literally have one pulled off because the wire just rotted away (stock plugs an wires @ 78k) changing them out with the new motor dont worry, but could this affect it? it may be a stupid question but i honestly dunno because im not into the technical aspects of this motor nor many others

 

If your plug wires are in that bad a shape you definitely need to replace em.. i reckon to say the plugs are toast too if the wires are that bad..

 

Check the thermostat in a pot of water with a thermometer if you want to see when it opens. I had three bad ones in a row before I got a good one.

 

I put the thermostat in boiling water yesterday for a little while and it never moved. As for the PCM programming I have no idea because I've only had the car for not even a month now. Is there anyway to clear the comp of any bad "reprogramming"?

 

Well, then it sounds like your thermostat went bad. It should have started to open at around 180deg, and boiling is well over 200, so something isn't right. Try one of the more expensive AC Delco ones.