See this thread for part 1.
http://web.camaross.com/forums/showt...hreadid=142342

Since that night I had not driving the car. I've started it up twice since then. It started right up both times. Yesterday I took it around my apt complex and it drove fine so I figured I'd take it for a drive. I got to my destination fine without any problems. As soon as I left she died on me again. Did the sputtering & surging crap then a couple backfires then she died.

I coasted into a parking lot and tried to start it. She would either not start or start, but surging and backfiring and then die. Some people that were in the lot while I was there were telling me it was shooting sparks and crap out of the exhaust. I'm sure that's just because of raw fuel, but I thought I'd mention it anyway. I finally got it started and running right again. So I chanced it and drove home. I got there without any problems.

Some people have suggested fuel pump or opti, but based on the symptoms I'd have to say opti. Runs fine for a while then surges & stutters & backfires and finally dies.

Thoughts?

 

just replace that damn opti and be done with it.

 

Well, I am debating whether or not to replace the opti & waterpump now and toss in a cam or just let it sit till 383 time. That will HOPEFULLY be next spring :blah:

 

I just want to be sure the opti is my problem.

 

Change the spark plugs and wires first and see if you still have the problem. Thats easier, but with 93k its time for a new opti anyways. Plug wires might keep you going for awhile though.

 

I just did the opti this weekend on mine. Mine wasn't anywhere near as bad as you describe at all. BUt was choking on startup and 2K sputters under normal driving as well as loss of power. Last time it ran good was when I drove it home during a heavy rain and last fall the water pump was leaking right on top of the opti. Overall, it was a 2 day project. One day for the tear-down and another to take time putting it back together. I would recommend that you get a 3-Claw Pulley Puller FIRST since you'll need it more than likely to get the Crank Pulley off. I got a loaner from Auto-Zone which I return for all my money back whenever I am done with it I found a tech link which helped me ALOT rather than trying to just figure it out on the fly.

 

just soak the **** out of the crank pully with some wd-40 or pb blaster and you wont need that claw pully, i wiggled mine back and forth til it finally gave (bout 10 mins) and I had 71k when I did my opti and waterpump. and ICM, only thing i havent done is my coil, still stock coil at 82k now, I have a replacement but I didnt feel like doing that part. i dunno dont ask. but, its an easy job, follow the street guide and it'll take no time... cromer for your parts as well, dirty cheap... good luck!

 

My plugs & wires are only about a year old. ACDelco plats & Taylor OVC wires.

I'm just sending the car to Joe Prince for the opti, wp & cam if I decide to do it. I don't have time to do it and the parking lot of my apt complex isn't the place

 

10 mins of struggles .. vs 5 mins with the puller and knowing I wasn't going to %#^& it all up. Just a suggestion to make it non-stop once you start. I hate 50 trips to get something I forgot or "might" need.

 

Ack.

Opti is not that bad a job. I had mine off and back on in 3 hours. I'm sure there are others that can do it quicker.