popping after clutch release.

[praxis]

I am driving down the road (just before normal engine temp.) shift...pop...shift...pop...shift...you get the point. I am SURE that the 'pop' is coming from the exhaust.

Sometimes, after I reach normal temp., I will let off the gas (as if there is a car slowing down in front of me)...then when I lightly accelerate, agian, I get the same 'pop'.

Backfire?

As far as my lazy mechanic says, my timing is O.K... I have adjusted the distributor to about every position possible...and none seem to make it better.

My only engine modifications are...2.25" piping (cat-back) w/ no resonator, DragunFire muffler, and intake

[b16a3sol]

if it is backfire, try resetting the ECU and see if that helps. the computer should be able to regulate fuel enough to keep that from happening though. you do mention that you have no resonator any more, so i believe that what you are taking as a pop could just be how your exhaust sounds now that you have nothing to stop the all of the noise that is pouring out of your tail pipe. if all else fails, have someone drive behind you some night and watch for a flash coming out. no flash means no fire, which means no backfire.

[fritz_269]

A little *pop* is fairly normal and won't hurt anything - a *BANG* is not.
Most people just don't hear it because their exaust is too muffled.

If it does seem fairly loud, the first thing to suspect is an exhaust leak - replace all the exhaust gaskets (esp the header gasket), clean the surfaces and retorque properly in the correct order. It's conceivable that your exhaust installed didn't do this well, or tweaked the header a little bit too much.

You can also try advancing the timing slightly and/or using a lower octane grade of gas (but do NOT get into detonation!)

Good luck.

[praxis]

Well, I do have and exhaust leak (at the header). When I got the engine, the top right (looking at the engine) manifold bolt was busted off. I just haven't got around to doing anything about it.

I was running 94 octane for awhile but noticed that nasty soot all over my car and realized I wasn't burning it all (obviously). I decided to stop wasting my money and switched to 89.

What should I look for, to know if I am detonating? (without tearing apart the engine)

[fritz_269]

That exhaust leak is most likely causing your *pop*. Get it fixed (with a brand new gasket!) It probably won't really hurt anything right away, but you are definitely losing power.

The easiest way to avoid detonation is to use quality gasoline in the recommended octane grade for your car. It should be written on the speedo, the gas lid, and your owner's manual. Unless you've modified the internals of your engine or your ECU, this will be just fine.

The classic way to inspect for detonation is to inspect the tips of your spark plugs (because, of course, they are right there in the middle of it all!)

Here's a primer:
http://www.centuryperformance.com/spark2.htm

[praxis]

wow...those are some pretty messed up plugs. I checked mine out...I think I am ok.

This link shows that a malfunctioning EGR system could be the culprit of many of the damaged plug scenerios. Can you explain why this is? Also, how exactly does the EGR system work?

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (right?)