We recently got an entire new exhuast installed, and I'm not sure if this is related, but now the car is backfiring out of the fuel assembly by the fuel injectors. It's also having a rough time shifting into 2nd and rarely shifts into 3rd or higher. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!:crying2:

Popping back thru the intake or throttle body is usually timing related. So, verify timing is at spec. Should be 10 degrees BTDC or very close, if not could have a worn timing chain, which has jumped time. Another common cause on this engine is a damaged camshaft. Coolant leaks thru the intake, washes over the camshaft and prematurely wears the cam lobes flat. Try this, with one foot on the brake and the other on the throttle, bring the engine RPM up to approx 1200 to 1500 RPM. If it constantly pops thru the intake, you have a flat cam and most likely coolant in the oil. To verify coolant in oil, look at the underside of the oil fill cap. If its a milky brown, you have an intake leak and worn cam. If dry or black you are lucky! Hope I didn't ruin your day!!

How old are the plugs, wires and distributor cap? That said, I tend to agree with Carnut.

Thanks for the advice. We are almost positive the timing chain is the problem. The plugs, wires and cap are new. Any ideas how much this would cost if we took it somewhere? Or is this a job that can be DIY? Thanks again.

DIY assuming you have the proper power steering pulley puller. This pulley must be removed to get timing cover off. Also this front cover uses many different length bolts and spacers so keeping them in order is very important. It is mandatory to have the factory service manual prior to replacement.