Went out for a short spin and noticed a louder than normal noise coming from under the hood. I floored it but could not accelerate.
It progressively got worse and I just barely made it to a stealership.
where it is residing for the weekend.

When I got there, I raised the hood and revved the throttle. The loud noise was coming from the cold air intake. I also noticed it was running a little hotter than normal. (210 degrees) . This time of year she typically runs about 170 .

I have noticed on a few previous occasions some hesitation and just thought it was due for a tune up. The odometer has a little over 52,000miles.
To the best of my knowledge this car is bone stock exept for an aftermarket MAF sensor.

I'm not expecting an inexpensive fix from the dealership and will probably give them their $100 diagnostic fee and have it towed back home (Especially after being told that they don't see to many old vettes anymore)....and "Junior is the only one they have to work on the old cars".
Any help will be greatly appreciated-thanks guys!

 

Did all your elctrical stuff stil work fine?

 

Do you know how to pull the codes?

Check the air filter, under the cap, see if all the wires are connected.

 

Yes, and voltage was normal at 14.1 volts.
I have noticed some dash flicker at night which is telltale of the alternator.
The engine idles ok it just won't take any load and I haven't replaced that front y and cat yet like we just talked about. Their leaning up against the wall in my garage-sure wish my car was in there tonight.

 

Yes, I can pull codes, filter was replaced abot 1000 miles ago, and I guess by cap you mean distributor? I was planning on replacing the cap and rotor this spring.
Unfortunately, I won't have access until Monday.

 

Sounds like a MAF issue....check for trouble codes.

 

I searched some older threads and found similar problems pointing to the cat.
Could this be the problem?

 

Unplug MAF and see if it runs better.

 

Then why did you take it there?

 

Good question....it was late in the day, happen to be real close to where I was, and at the time a relief to get it out of traffic. I initially thought they could take a quick look.
I went down there today (service dept closed)and unplugged the MAF. It restarted a little better but as soon as I throttle up it did the same thing-just stumbles
The air intake is extremely loud and I also noticed the smell of gas. It is still there and will arrange to have it towed on Monday.

Any thoughts on what else it may be? Thanks again all!

 

Codes - check for codes first....if no codes we'll make some guesses

 

OK had my car towed and is now back safely in my garage. I did a scan with no trouble codes found. I'm still hoping it's the cat. I installed a new rear y and eliminators back in the fall. I've been procrastinating about installing the front y and cat for fear of breaking a manifold bolt. I have a new 2.5" front y and high flow cat and guess now is a good time to get it done. Hope one of you guys can give me a warm and fuzzy here!
thanks for all your feedback so far

 

Dont know if this applys to you but I had a some what similar problem a while back after I tryed and race a friend.. My car lost some serious power but the car was reving high.. Turns out it was a nasty vacuum leak... Pulled the intake off and plugged the hose back up and it ran fine.. Hope this helps

 

Can't get mine to rev at all-just stumbles as soon as I throttle up

 

bump

 

If no codes are present you may want to check your fuel pressure at the fuel rail to see if you have fuel related issues. Did the stealership guys clear your trouble codes?

 

No, I didn't give them a chance to look at it. I figured I'd be able to scan the codes for $100 less. One guy mentioned either the cat or TB issue. I was surprised to see "no codes found" The service engine light only comes on as it stalls.

 

If no codes I'd look at the fuel delivery system and the cats. Check the fuel pressure at the fuel rail. Check the exaust for postive pressure out the mufflers and sneak a peak underneath to see if anything is glowing red hot.

 

Will do-hope I can find time to check everything this weekend.
I check the FSM for fuel pressure procedures.
Not sure if it will run long enough to get anything red hot underneath.
Where might I find something? pre cats, main cat?

 

Yes, look at the pre cats....those tend to go first.