I juts finished replacing the tensioner after mine went.. I was driving, at a red light idling and then the engine started to pulse on idle... went up, went down almost stall, went up, went down ..im like wtf..

I was cocky this time, drove it, it sputtered kinda im like uh oh (was very close to home, 2 miles) i threw a CPS code (crank position sensor) and parked it at home... remove dvalve cover to determine belt had slack

Intake was at about 1 o'clock,
exhaust was at about 2 o'clock
crank was at about 3 o'clock .. as far as timing alignment goes.

Went to work, sure enough the tensioner is pooched.

Just replaced it, started the car idles fine, sounds good, but drives like crap. I try to accelerate and get huge hesitation, like theres firing and its going nowhere.. the exhaust sputters a bit which it never has before, otherwise if i go easy it'll accelerate ok, i didnt go that fast tho ..

This sound like bent valves? .. compression test will be done soon .. (glad i put on arp head studs.. if i have to rip the head off again) first thing first, i'll pull valve cover tomorrow and check to ensure gears line up TDC at true piston TDC.

Side question: can i pull the head and intake at once with head studs ? will i clear the firewall / windshield piece?

 

Sounds like bent valves.

 

Check the cam timing. If it's good, do a leak down and find out for sure.