suggestions needed

[ga.spyder]

I am having issues with my 82,that have been going on for a while.It started as a miss,which has escalated into other things.A short history,this car has been ultra reliable for 3 years.The anti Tony,so to speak.I have had help from numerous members here with parts advice and encouragement.Thanks to all you guys,this forum is fantastic,and full of truly nice people.
I have it running well,idling smooth,starting at a touch of the key,and cruising nicely.I am almost right again.The issue now is that the car feels'flat' on hard acceleration.It has a stutter at the higher rpm.If you feed the gas slow,its ok.I have occasional backfires (exhaust) when shifting say from 3rd to 4th at low rpms.If you climb uphill in 5th,it feels like it isnt gonna' make it.It never did any of this before.
I haveall new ignition parts,injectors have been inspected ,new seals,and hoses and reinstalled.New working afm(thanks,George).I have done the fi tuneup in Artigues manual,seems ok.I dont know.The only thing I can find is my main fuel hard line is partially crimped,probably from removing fuel rail.Could this be enough to make the motor run lean?That is what it feels like.
Anyway,any suggestions would be appreciated.Thanks,Craig

[htchevyii]

If you suspect fuel, I would connect a fuel pressure gauge where the cold start connector connects and zip tie it to the windshield wiper. When it looses power, check the gauge. Make sure the new rotor isn't pinching your advance weights and keeping you from getting advance. Mine acted similar and it was due to the timing being to far retarded and the weights being jammed from a crappy Kragen rotor. good luck

[So Cal Mark]

I agree, check the fuel pressure at the rail or cold start valve and make sure the advance is working. Popping out the exhaust is usually due to a rich mixture though. How do the spark plugs look?

[ga.spyder]

Thanks guys..those are great suggestions.I had not thought of the advance weights in the dizz.The crimp in my fuel line is going to be reflared(its right at the end) this week so I can eliminate that as a source.I havent pulled the plugs since I got the AFM on there yesterday,I will today.Rigging up a fuel pressure guage will be next.Thanks.

[beachboy]

Craig, make sure you didnt screw down the dizzy swivel plate too hard. If the screws are too long, they can stop the plate from moving.

[ga.spyder]

I looked at the plugs today,and they are a nice color and dry.More of a tan color.I have a question regarding the swivel plate/dizz advance.It seems to move freely,but only one of the spring loaded weights(?) move when I advance by hand.Normal?Here is a pic when normal then advanced by hand.Can you guys tell anything by that or my description?Sorry about the picture quality

[beachboy]

Sippin Moonshine again while taking pics? Looked at mine and when I move it by hand, they only open a little. Nowhere near as far as the fully open one in your pic. I am sure the spinning of the dizzy with engine running will cause them to fling open. Is that grease or dirt on top/

[ga.spyder]

There isnt grease or dirt on it.It is a little discolored and the flash makes it look worse.Everything seems to move free.The one that is open the farthest,seems to have less tension on the spring than the other.I guess I'm grasping at straws.I have always driven this car hundreds of miles to shows,events,etc.. without any problem.Never given a thought to reliability.Now,I am missing out on all kinds of fun stuff while I chase a gremlin .Frustrating!!HMMMM...the shine aint a bad thought though.

[mdrburchette]

Craig, have you checked the fuel pressure or the timing yet? It almost sounds like a small vacuum leak somewhere too. Maybe to the vacuum advance capsule? Have you tried removing the vacuum line at the intake and capping that nipple to see if it is a vacuum advance problem? I'm pretty good a grasping at straws too, huh Craig?

[ga.spyder]

I havent checked fuel pressure or timing yet.The vac advance really doesnt affect perf. much at all.I drove it w/o one for 2 years.I am writing down these suggestions,and will work thru them.I really dont know what else to do at this point.
ps...I could have sworn I saw avery familiar X19 offered for sale in NC. Some little place called Walkertown

[mdrburchette]

How did you know, Craig? The guy I sold the silver X to has to sell it due to losing his job. Sad times.

[htchevyii]

So, did you figure it out, or turn to the moonshine?

[ga.spyder]

I think I have a handle on it.It was a snowball type deal.First problem was my afm(air temp sensor),that has been replaced.The car not accelerating past 4000 rpm seems to be a timing problem.I havent touched it,but the guys who did some work apparently did.I think it may have been timed tothe wrong mark.I timed it by ear,and the acceleration is back.I will con firm with a light.The rough running/stutter seems to be a air leak in my main air hose from the AFM.I have ordered a new one.We shall see.....

[kmac33]

Craig,
Glad to hear you are getting all of the gremlins figured out. Just have to make sure everything is running by FFO .
I'll send you an email with an update on my race to make it WITH the Spider!