Bad idle and smoke from back of engine block?

[2.2H8TA]

I found a 95 Z26 with 90k on it, The guy wants $1500 as is. The body is perfect, but he says he just replaced the intake gasket and when I was running it, it started right up, the rpms were pretty high, like 2 and a half just idleing. I did'nt drive it cause it has a flat tire. It started to sputter a bit but it didn't stall or any thing. Then I poped the hood and noticed a bit of smoke coming from the back of the block. Then I went back in the car and noticed the check engine light was on. I really want this car, I just would like to know what the problem is with the engine and why it sputters and smokes. And possibly what could be causing the check engine light to be on? If anyone has any answers it would really help. Also just a little bit about the car, it's purple, or Black Rose Metallic, 3100 obviously, no rust at all, interior is absolutly perfect. The only problem with the paint is on the spoiler, where it's fading a little. The guy will hold it for me for free so, when I hopefully get some answers, It will be mine, depending on the severity of the problems.

[Money pit Beretta]

Well the high idle could be from a bad TPS. When I have had that problem it has always been the TPS. If you buy one be sure to get a GM one. I've had trouble with other brands. Is there any way that you can find out just where the smoke is coming from? It could be just a bad valve cover gasket. Just be sure of what's wrong before you do anything. Also if there is any way that you could scan the car that would be very helpful. A part store may rent one to you.
Oh and check the rear upper spring mounts for rust.

[2.2H8TA]

Ok, thanks. Where can I find a GM TPS? The smoke looks to be coming from the bottom of the engine in the back. I'm gonna try and get the guy to let me take it to my mechanic to get completly checked out. I was kind afraid of running it like it is because I dont want to do any damage to it, but the guy at the carlot says hes put like 25 mi. on it sense he replaced the intake gasket though. Any chance of doing any damage to it driving it with a bad TPS? And where can I find the codes?

[3X00-Modified]

He could have also completely messed up the LIMG install and left a large vac leak causing a high idle, which will also trigger a SES light. As far as the oil leak, well that could be anything from the valve cover, to the crank sensor on the back of the block.

Being a 95, the only way you can pull codes is to find someone who offers OBDI services... most auto parts stores only carry OBDII devices unfortunately. Older OBDI's you could cross pins and get a blinking SES light to tell you what it was, but the 94-95 transition years are tool read only, yet still OBDI.

[Money pit Beretta]

It's on a car lot? I'd have them replace the TPS. It is very, very strange that they have not done any repairs.
Today I had a problem with a high idle. With the engine running I pull the pig tail off the TPS and put it back on. The idle went back to normal. Looks like I have some things to check this weekend.

[2.2H8TA]

Yeah, It's a small lot, they sell a lot of pos cars. The owner of the lot bought the car at an auction for his kid, when he bought it it didn't run, he put a new battery in it and it started right up. He's selling it cause his kid thinks its a girly car because it's purple. Does anyone have any pics of the tps and where it's at, sorry I'm not a real genius when it comes to this stuff.

[Money pit Beretta]

Just look at the throttle body, the return spring and the cables for the gas pedal and cruise control are on one side(front if you standing at the bumper or the left if standing by the drivers fender). The other side will have the TPS. The two small bolts that hold it on are torx by the way.