i think the coils and fuel system is my next stop but i'm going to be checking very carefully from now on. i've dumped to much money on this problem, so i need to make sure i have the solution before i do anything. i did replace the cables on the plugs and i'm not entirely sure how to do a compression test

 

ok i just replaced the engine temp sensor and it seems to be fine on overheating now but it still has bad idle and acceleration

 

all fixed, turned out to be a bad coil pack that would go back and forth. only wanted to work half the time which is why i thought it must be something else, i'd already checked them but i'm happy now to have a well running machine

 

I took mine to Firestone about overheating, and they said GM faxed them a paper that the temp gauge doesn't read right.

 

lmao,,,, thats a good one. well its correct the gauges are not always correct. they do give you an idea of where normal is and not normal. test the sensor and compare to the gauge. dont know what years have two temp sensors but on mine theres two and the one on the head is the temp gauge sensor. go to shbox, number 20 on the list
4th Gen LT1 F-Body Tech Aids