pk222

hey guys, Ive got a 98 gt with around 76,000 miles on it. Its stock except a CAI and welded in flowmasters. It runs great. probably the smoothest running mustang I've had but it starts like crap. Sometimes it takes as much as 10 seconds to finally crank over or I try a couple times. There is no cel. I was told it could be the ignition switch so I swapped it with no luck. The plugs are fresh. The guy I got it from said he used a programmer but didn't know what one and I've heard they can cause starting issues. I know its got to have a chip in it because if I don't run premium it pings. I tried disconnecting the battery but I don't think that erases it.
Any ideas on what I can check? because it seam like its getting worse the longer i drive it. Before I swap every sensor in the car I figured it would be better to ask where I could start. I don't know how old the coils are but I was told they were just replaced same with the wires. I don't think it would be that though because as soon as its started it runs great.

Also I don't know how long its going to take me but eventually I'm gonna get a zex nitrous kit. Before I install one I'm gonna make sure I have a better fuel pump just to feel safe. I don't know what one to pick though. I've heard a lot of people running cobra pumps and bbks and walbro but have never heard of any comparison between them. If I have to pull the tank to swap the pump, then I only want to do it once so what do you guys recommend?

pk222

anybody? i know a lot of people have had to have been through this

Fleet99GT

Does it feel like its struggling to turn, like a charging issue or is the engine turning quickly but not getting fuel? Get a fuel pressure gauge and plug it into the shreoder valve on your fuel rail. I believe your fuel pressure should be between 55 and 60 lbs. If it is low you have a weak fuel pump. turn the key to the on position and cycle it a few times without starting the engine, if the pressure is good keep the gauge on for about 5 mins and see if the pressure drops significant, leaking injectors and so on.

Fleet99GT

Ps. This will usually throw a lean code but never hurts to check anyway.

pk222

it cranks fast but doesn't try at all then starts and either jumps to 2000 rpm then slowly drops or hangs low at around 500 and then rises. I'll try the fuel pressure test

pk222

I ended up ordering a bbk 255lph pump from lrs just because I plan on eventually needing it anyway. Just to make sure I don't need to do any tuning to install the pump right? I've never heard of anyone saying they had to but they usually already had at least handheld tuners before they upgraded pumps.