no power under load + backfires - fuel pressure? ignition? sensors/ecu?

[xboxrox]

Does the distributor have a vacuum advance? Test the vacuum diaphragm actuator see if it holds vacuum & advances the timing? Remove air cleaner cover with engine off look down the carburetor while opening the throttle you should see gas streams from the acceletator pump (does it have a carb?)

[brush]

thanks for the response!

it's a fuel injected engine, no carb. not sure if there's an analogous way to check how much fuel's coming out of the injectors.

i don't *think* there's a vacuum advance, but i'll check tomorrow. but your point makes me wonder: maybe there's a problem with the mechanical advance in the distributor? especially since the problem shows even when i revv the engine with the car in neutral -- it bogs down unless i feather it. then when i get to high rpms (like, maybe the mechanical advance unsticks??) it seems to be better.

what's the best way to test this? i do have this '96 parts car sitting here, would it make sense to swap distributors and see if that changes anything, or is there something else that would be easier?

thanks again!

Does the distributor have a vacuum advance? Test the vacuum diaphragm actuator see if it holds vacuum & advances the timing? Remove air cleaner cover with engine off look down the carburetor while opening the throttle you should see gas streams from the acceletator pump (does it have a carb?)