Ok, 1990, coupe, auto, SOHC, 170000kms

Bought it as a result of an accident. Only engine related damage I was aware of was a crack in the rad (replaced it).

I start it up, idle is almost 'hunting' sits around 1000rpm, sputters and shakes the whole car. When you accelerate, the idle drops slightly, sputters more, then smooths out the higher you go. Its unable to do a burnout in gravel, lacks great amount of power.

The things i have replaced are as follows:
NGK wires + plugs
New cap + rotor
new valve cover gasket
new fuel (not rotten)
changed oil

One thing I didnt do was gap the plugs when I put the new ones in, so I'll check that tomorrow. After I put the new wires and plugs in, the idle was still bad, shaking was terrible. Turns out #2 cyl wasnt firing (pulled 2nd wire, didnt change the idle). Put new cap + rotor, now that cyl is firing. I have a new fuel filter, but havent installed it yet.

arrgg!!!!! this is really getting annoying!! thanks in advance

 

check vaccuum lines

 

make sure you got the wires in the correct firing order