My car was backfiring like crazy, I changed the plugs to fix that. Now it's idle is terrible. It's really low and pulsates up and down. The exhaust is also shooting out alot of smoke. The car is running very lean too. Can anyone help me diagnose this problem? Is this limp mode? Have I blown a seal?

 

How do you know it's running lean? Color of smoke? This kind of info will get you answers faster here.

Does the engine smooth out as soon as you accelerate into the primary boost range (2,000RPM+)?

 

the smoke is white and my air fuel gauge syas it's running lean. Thats what I'm using to say it's running lean. the engine doesn't smooth out during acceleration it's still just as jumpy.

 

you got an aftermarket ecu?

 

To rule out the worst, get it compression tested. It'll save your self a lot of lost time and worry.

 

none

 

It doesn't make sense to go from just backfiring to a lame idle after changing the plugs. Make sure your plugs are wired correctly.

Also make sure that somehow while changing the plugs you didn't manage to pull the vacuum line off of the MAP ("Boost") sensor.

 

the correct order is trailing on top which equals blue taped wires and blue striped plugs right. ngk platinum

 

Yes ... trailing is on top. Those each have a dedicated coil pack and their placement is self-explanatory.

The leading plugs (bottom) share a coil pack positioned in between the trailing coils. The top leading plug wire goes to rotor 1 (front), the bottom plug wire goes to rotor 2 (rear).

I don't really know about this blue marking business because I don't run OE wires ... and the wires could be in the wrong place to begin with.