92 Sunbird Running Rough

When starting my sunbird it is running really rough when I'm idling and at a very low speed. Once its warm it runs better. It has lots of power. Changed the PVC Valve and it didn't help. Went to Canadian Tire and they did a tune up, also changed the ignition wires and fuel filter which made no difference. They finally said that the problem was my #1 cyclinder was dead short. The cost to fix this is more than the car is worth. Does anyone have any ideas what might be wrong? If there was a problem with my cyclinder would it not be running rough at any speed?

Thanks for your help

You don't mention if it is a 4 or a 6, but this Sounds like BS to me.... if cyl 1 is a dead short, as they say, that can only be the ignition control module, or coil pack for the corresponding cylinder if the plugs and wires have been changed... possibly bad ECM. Usually these sorts of problems get worse as temp rises, however.... 3.1s are notorious for intake gasket leaks, which tend to be more obvious at operating temp. The 2.0 is famous for head gasket leaks, which would explain the repair being more than the car is worth.

Hope That Helps!