are new headers causing a skip?

javojjaaf · January 11, 2012

just installed a set of pace setter long tubes on my 98' 5.7 and am noticing a skip every few seconds while im at idol and during a low rpm load kind of bad. the install was simple with the exception of me breaking the front driver side plug when the manifolds came loose. i replaced the plug, but didnt realize that advance sold me a iridium plug until i went to put it in and i have been running platinum....which i dont really see causing an issue. although, a friend of my is thinking thats what did it....but the old plugs only have about 15,000 miles on them. also suggested was to clean or replace my O2's....cleaning is cool, but replacing all is expensive. i have been running with no converters for a few years now with a 2 1/2 inch set up from my x pipe back. now that the long tubes are installed its all 2 1/2 inch with the O2's still in the system. any ideas what could be causing this "skip"? anyone seen this happen before, or is it common? thanks

Carder09 · January 11, 2012

A skip or a slight shudder? Not sure what you mean by skip. You check the distributor components yet?

javojjaaf · January 12, 2012

not really sure, it feels more like a skip every so often because you can almost hear the engine picking back up RPM....but its not bad. i replaced the rotor, cap, wires, and plugs about 15,000 miles ago and havent had the problem till i did the headers, replaced the one plug, and messed with the O2's that have never been touched. i was wondering if handling them could have messed one up.

Carder09 · January 12, 2012

Hmm, don't think the o2 sensord are the problem or you would have your check eng light. If you made of video of it running that could help with finding out what it might be exactly.

GMstrong · January 13, 2012

I would put the same plug as all of the other ones and make sure its gapped right.no cats wont cause this,bad o2s will and o2s that arent getting hot and reading right MIGHT cause a skip,but wont trip a code.

javojjaaf · January 13, 2012

ill go get another pulg to match the others and see if that helps, i didnt think the different material would make a big difference....but i also wouldnt have gotten different if i had payed attention when i got it. been running around with out converters for 3 1/2 years and have had a check engine light ever sense, so i may want to scan it to see if there is any other codes other than for the one from the cats being gone.

Duelin · January 13, 2012

What brand of plugs are you using?

92rado · January 14, 2012

Also you might have a exhaust leak at the header. It makes it sound like a dead miss when it's really not. Headers are bad about that.

javojjaaf · January 14, 2012

been using AC Delco because i always heard these engines dont care much for other brands. i do need to get out there and re-tighten the bolts, havent done it yet sense the install....about a week

javojjaaf · January 15, 2012

i put the plug to match in and didnt fix the skip. ill try tightening the headers and see if that makes a difference, if not maybe its the wire to that plug....i think i got cut on the boot when the plug was broken.