I have a 91 cavalier with a 2.2 it idles fine but as soon as you hit the gas it backfires threw the exhaust and then dies any ideas where to start
Backfires occur when there is an air/fuel imbalance. Make sure you're getting good fuel pressure from the pump before and after the filter. Verify your injector isn't failing. I think you can ohm-check the TBI injectors. Just not sure what they're supposed to read. Check for vacuum leaks, especially around the EGR valve.
You could also try removing the vacuum line from the EGR valve and seeing if it still backfires and dies when you increase throttle. If it does not then your EGR valve might be to blame.
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Mike
I would try a new set of wires and plugs, it solved the same problem on my old 90 2.2 twice
still no luck.i noticed the injector was shutting of right before it would die. so i kept messing with it come to find out the fuel pump was shutting off and on at the relay. what controls the power to the fuel pump relay
The ECM I think.
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Mike