terrible idle problems. Help???!

[machinist]

i have a 94 2.3 with a 5 speed. it has 160,000 on it. i have owned the truck for over 2 years and it has always been this way. when i start the engine it the idle is soooo speratic. i just put a k&n air intake, new plugs, new wires, new fuel pump and a new timing belt and tensioner. i just tested my coils and they seem to be fine. i have been searching for a leaky vaccum line but i cant find one.

at idle when i hammer the throttle, the engine back fires through the intake. and when it backfires you can hear the the engine take a huge gasp of air. since i have put the k&n on, this noise is so much worse. almost as loud as the leaky exhaust. the engine has also lost 80%of the power it had befor i started screwing with it. i thought maybe i screwed up the firing order, but i didnt. and i thought maybe i screwed up my timing, but i didnt.

What could this be? all input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Try pulling the codes and when you have it on the timing light does it advance properly throughout the range

 

[The purple one]

Lost 80% of its power It must not be able to get out of its own way I would take a look at the timing to make sure you have it 100% on. Good luck

 

[jhammel85]

Sounds like timing to me. I'd start there

 

[v8318cid]

Check your coil packs as well. An intermittently failing coil will cause similar symptoms but not be faulty enough to generate a CEL / code.

 

[Duane867]

My guess is timing is off a tooth, and or a bad coil pack.