2.8L exhaust leak, causing sluggish accleration?

[2.8 Grand Prix]

Thanks, I am having fun.
I don't know how it is in MI, but here, if I did ever want to sell it, there are a lot of Mexicans around who would buy it for $300 in its current state. LOL

[1988GTU]

I'd put roof racks on the hood and strap down a spare tire on it.

[robertisaar]

at this point and with that many miles, you might as well go ahead and use hood-pins... unfortunately early W's, regardless of condition or rarity, are pretty much worthless when it comes to selling them, so you might as well do whatever you want to it and have fun in the process.

[2.8 Grand Prix]

Ok,

First off, I live in Iowa. It stopped raining now, but I haven't gotten the hood open yet.

Next, THANKS for the pics robertisaar, those help greatly. I have already decided that once I do get the hood open, I'm goin' for that "muscle car" look and getting hood pins LOL. (I'm basicly trying to find something functional but also adding to the stupidity that is the dented up '88 Grand Prix).

And last, thanks again, pocket-rocket, I will follow those tips exactly. I am just wanting to get this car going as soon as possible.

[pocket-rocket]

I would just like someone to suggest how I can check spark with the tools and money I have. Thanks!

Pull each plug wire (one by one so you don't mix them up) and put a spark plug in it and stick it on something metal on the engine and have someone crank the engine. Watch for a spark to jump the gap on the spark plug. If you see one, unplug the plug, put the wire back on it's spark plug, unplug the next one, plug the spare plug in it and repeat. Also look to see if your spark plug wires are crossfiring/leaking. Pop the hood when it is dark outside (the darker the better) and run the engine and look for sparks jumping out of the wires. If you see any, that wire is bad and needs to be replaced.

(stupid "message too short" error...)

[robertisaar]

here are some pics, just in case...

[pmaniac69]

where are you located at 2.8?

[2.8 Grand Prix]

Ok, I will! As soon as it quits raining!

[robertisaar]

Thanks! The previous owner told me that the #2 cylinder is the one he thinks is bad. I haven't seen this yet (can't get hood open), but he says #2 doesn't even have a spark plug in it right now. Pretty Dumb huh?
Do you think he is full of sh!+ or is he on to something?

HOLY.....SHIT......DUDE.....

why hasn't this come up before?

i've told you how to get the hood open, so do so, take pics and we'll tell you just how fucked you are...

[2.8 Grand Prix]

I just want a car that I can drive arround town and that will get me to work. Right now, the exhaust is preventing me from driving it around too much.

I would just like someone to suggest how I can check spark with the tools and money I have. Thanks!

[2.8 Grand Prix]

I don't need this engine to run good, I just need it to run on all cylinders. I plan on running this $300 car into the ground anyway (its my daily driver).

With that being said, I would like this car to have at least moderate acceleration. As of now, it has the acceleration of a grandma with a walker.

I just need some suggestions on how to make sure it has spark. (I'm going to go get a spark plug soon if needed.) LOL

I already know how to do the compression tests, and how to check the OHMs of the injectors (to check if they are in specs). That leaves the spark.

With that, I thank you. If anyone has any suggestions, that's great!

[pocket-rocket]

he says #2 doesn't even have a spark plug in it right now. Pretty Dumb huh?

O.O

WOW! I can't even imagine doing that to someones car, let alone sell one to someone like that. What was the guy thinking?!?! Was he some crazy hillbilly jerry-rigger? I can't even say backyard mechanic because that would be complimenting him way more then he deserves! Get that hood open and pray that's the worst you find under there. Wow.... just.... WOW!

[1988GTU]

OR if you feel like doing the work. I have 3.1 heads forsale. PM me if this floats your boat.

[asylummotorsports]

Unless the body is in extremely nice condition, I really think you need to seriously consider cutting your losses and just start over.

No spark plug, can't open the hood, I'm sorry but I'm laughing my ass off here and my cat thinks I'm crazy at 3:30 in the morning.

If in fact there is no plug in that cylinder (why would ANYONE do that?) it's safe to assume it's screwed now anyway.

If you ever get the friggen hood open you can try what has been suggested, but it may be flogging a dead horse.

Swap it out if the body is salvageable, or just start looking for a replacement.

Have fun!

[2.8 Grand Prix]

Thanks! The previous owner told me that the #2 cylinder is the one he thinks is bad. I haven't seen this yet (can't get hood open), but he says #2 doesn't even have a spark plug in it right now. Pretty Dumb huh?
Do you think he is full of sh!+ or is he on to something?