Car literally feels like its running on 3cylinders. I'm almost positive I had the chain put on correctly(not to mention my opti, pretty easy on a 95). I even posted a pic. I did replace the wires on the driver's side and need to replace the wires on the passenger side.

Few questions, say I accidentally put wire #1 on cyl #3, would it be down on this much power? I'm talking about what feels like 100hp+ its awful!

Would 3+ misfiring cylinders cause this much of a power loss?

Also, what are the symptoms of a bad MSD6A?

How can I check the passenger side for arcing? I'm guessing Id need a mirror?

Open to suggestions!!
I want to rule out the ignition before I tear it down.

 

if you had two pairs of wires hooked in up wrong like what you described you'd probably end up with an engine that would barely run, like you described. i had the 1st and 5th cylinders crossed when they plug int othe opti, it popped and cracked like crazy, barely had enough power to turn around in my level driveway.

 

Maybe you got low compression pistons....
It's happened.....

 

If u had 2 plug wires crossed then u should be able to tell. Not only would the car be extremly down on power, it would run like complete crap, it would barely run at all. I crossed 2 plug wires once and my car idled like it had a huge cam in it and the power was just stupid low. The best way to check for arching is to do it at night. If u have some wires arching, it will look like a firework show under the hood, trust me u will see it if it is there. Hope u get it figured out. Peace, Dustin.

 

I switched my 1 and my 3 wires at first when I did my header install....the whole car shook when I started it...it idled and revved up really weird too....I was scratching my head for awhile cause I tripple checked the wires when I installed them, but then I re looked and they were definately hooked up to the opti wrong. I never drove it like that so I don't know if it was way down on power, but I assume it would be.

 

Thanks guys, all the input and suggestions are appreciated!

 

You can always bypass the MSD to see if it changes anything.

 

I just noticed my HVAC isnt connected. I also noticed I had the fuel pressure regulator plugged into the HVAC port on the intake and left the port for the fuel pressure regulator open.
Would this cause the problem?
What does the HVAC do/for?

 

Start by plugging everything back in!

Some guys swear they put the opti on correctly but they didnt so thats something to think about... nobody intentionally installs one wrong or anything for that matter. Double/tripple check everything you can.

 

yeah i had the same problem with the opti...on my old 93...the little spline gear was off 1 tooth(i thought it "popped" into place) ...what a mistake that was...it should slide on very easy...my car ran like a bag of *** when that happend..check it out again just to be sure.

 

So even though it was installed wrong it still ran?
Did you have to remove the WP and the balancer to get to the opti ?
Or can I work around it?

 

You definatly have to remove the water pump and balancer to get back to the opti. You may be able to work around the hub though.

 

would it be possible to start the car(briefly!) with the balancer and WP off to make sure I have it right?

 

That won't be a problem at all. You can probably let it run for up to a minute or two if you absolutely have to. I doubt it'll get very hot in that short amount of time. We used to do that all the time when I worked in the shop.

 

there are 3 ways to install a vented opti... 2 of them wrong of course. I know for a fact 1 way will not even fire the car b/c the timing is so far off. The other I really cant comment. My GUESS is the timing would be severely retarded and when this happens youll typically find the exhaust manifolds heating up very quickly and turning red hot within a couple of minutes. If that is not happening to your car then I wouldnt starting ripping into it just yet.