88 GTU N/A S4.... when I connected the timing light to check the timing she shut down and I cannot get her to start...checked all fuses, etc.... What could be causing this?

 

This should be on the main generation specific page(2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) - RX7Club.com) not build threads, you wont get much exposure here.

Does it even have spark now?

 

Not very much, I need to get a voltage reading. What is the best way to check for spark? Thanks for suggesting the other listing category. I'm still learning this forum after over 15 years...lol

 

Pull the plug wires off of the coil boots and place the wires as close to the boots w/o touching them and turn key to start and you should observe a spark.

 

I will definitely do that. I looked at my plugs as they have only been in there for 3,000 miles and noticed that the trailing plugs were A LOT CLEANER than the the leading plugs as they had a more normal amount of residue (no oil) so I suspect that I'm not getting enough spark on the trailing which I will find out on your suggestion. I can't believe I forgot that test as it's been so long...lol. However, I did swap out the coil with a spare and that did not help. I also put this on that other section as you suggested, didn't know how to do that before, thanks.

 

By the way, when she's running there is a little backfire from time to time and loss of power which could likely be to improper firing of the coil?