I just bought an 86 n/a for $400. so needless to say it has a couple of minor problems. the biggest one is it will start. then runn fast for a few seconds. I will can take off normally. but then it will act as though it has no power at all. like the fuel or the ignition is skrewed. it will still idle but it is only slightly rough. then after it reached normal operating temp all is well again. no problems until it is cold again.
it didn't do this untill I changed the oil that smelled like bad fuel. ya' know the smell gas has after it has sat for about a year?
I don't know what it could be. I was thinking TPS or BAC valve.
by the way the exhaust smells weird while this is going on

 

What do you mean by the exhaust smells weird? Sweet by any chance?

 

Rotton egg-y? (Technical)
Check the thermowax and secondary throttle plates.. they stay closed only while cold... if this system isnt functioning (ie- they aren't staying closed) the car won't run very well when cold... may very well stall at idle the first little bit...
Also- definatly set the TPS, and maybe the AFM? Sounds like it could be running too rich.... Check the thermosensor too.

Checked the timing or the spark plugs??
Low compression can rob power too...

 

I too thought it might be coolant. but it is only when cold. then it stops, and everything is fine.
I don't think it is the secibdary butterflys. that is part of the tb mod and no one has reported this by taking them out. I thinkthey may need to come out.
I am also not loosing any coolant. at least the alarm isn't going off. I know it works too. I had a hell of a time topping off the coolant after I flushed the radiator.

 

bump

 

BamBam was reffering to the coolant thermosensor that can be found behind the coolant fill neck .. it has a green terminal plug on it .. This sensor is responsible for your cold start fueling.. If this sensor is wonky you can experience all sorts of rough idling and power problems.. If your car runs well when it's at operating temp, but poorly when it's still cold, then this would be one of the first things I would check

 

Have you done a compression check?

I have a car here that has a blown rear rotor and no compression on any face of it.

But it idles at 750.

A bit rough, but it idles and cold starts right.

Just no power and rough idle.

 

You just got yourself a strong running 7! If it starts and has only minor problems at cold, your engine is strong.

You can do a bunch of tune ups and make it run even better!