I can start our 97 Z28 (100200 miles) and it will run like a champ up to normal operating temp (210-230). Then we shut it down and do what we drove out to do. When we come back and start her up again, there's a seriously rough idle, almost like the engine wants to die, but it holds on. If I push the gas pedal, it sounds like its going to stall. I shut it off and wait a few more minutes and it fires up, idles rough, but recovers and runs like a champ again.

I've been able to repeat this about 3 times in the last day.

This is my wifes car that she drives maybe once per month, to my knowledge the wires and plugs haven't been changed (ever!!!) is this a difficult thing to take on at home, I've heard it's a nightmare??? I don't know what else is new or completely stock. She drives the car very well, not rough on it at all, so I know there's no major mechanical meltdowns to address.

What could be causing this? If anyone out there was to start eliminating variables where would you start (simplest to most difficult)?

I've started with the fuel filter and checked the air filter (going to put in a K&N intake). Where should I go next?

 

many thing

might just need a tune up, just do the basics first then if you still have the prob tell us

 

just pull a few spark plug yo ucan get to easy and look at them

 

We drove it yesterday about 50 miles. This is after changing just the fuel and air filter. I also put some lucas gas treatment to clean up the fuel system. It runs good now. We got it home andI let it sit for about 1 hour and started it up again, a bit rough on the start but then it ran great.

I'm going to take it to get the A/C recharged since it doesn't work right now and see if I can get the mechanic to check for codes, there's no SES light on though.

 

I just went to start it up and the battery is dead. Could there be an issue with the electronics if the battery isn't supplying enough juice on start up? I'd think this would not be a problem once the car is started and the alternator is running? Looking at an optima red top. Any other suggestions?

 

turn all extras off start the car then unhook the battery if it stays on it is the battery but if it cuts off get the alternater checked. some extras do use the battery at low rpm's

 

Hooked it up to my buddy's code scanner and got P300, which from what I can see is a multiple misfire. Guess I'll be changing plugs and wires (both original) as a start.