3.8L Olds backfireing

I have a 1989 Olds delta 88 with a 3.8L V6 that seems to be backfireing out the air intake. I have drilled about six holes in the catilatic convertor thinking that was the problem but it wasn't. Help Please.

timing

I thought so to but it has good power on top end

Still something about the timing. Could be not fully advancing or the vacuum compensation could be stuck.

i would check the intake manifold gasket for staters . spray some 2+2 or any carb cleaner around the intake base and see if you hear a difference in the way it runs if the idle changes pitch you may have a vacuum leak there. also worn cam lobes can cause a backfire at lower rpms. If you have not moved the distributer i would not think the timing would be off unless something else has worn. Does the car have a carb or fuel injection? Has the car been sitting a long time with bad gas? have you done a tune up and crossed some wires???

The car is fuel injected. And I have not touch a thing under the hood yet. i also put some good gas in the tank with some dry gas. The only reson i drilled out the converter is i had a similar prolbem with a 3.8L in a beretta and the CAT was the prolbem with that one.

I'd say, there's a good chance the timing chain is worn and retarding the timing badly.

You haven't mentioned the circumstances in which it backfires. Acceleration / idle / deceleration / heavy accel.? The 3.8L is well known for jumping timing chains (the stock nylon teeth break) and that is a strong possibility if the chain & gears are stock. Did this happen all of sudden, or after some engine work was done? Does it run rough at idle, accelerating, steady state?

It idels fine it backfires when you accelerate. but stop when rpm levels out. Also it realy lacks power when going up hills.