That scorching is most likely caused by bad spark plugs or ignition leads. So check/replace them.

What happens is when a plug or 3 breaks down this causes the ignition lead/s to also break down, as this is high voltage it finds the easiest path to ground and this is the rotor, possibly with some contamination on the rotor.

 

So I was digging around on Craigslist and I found somebody advertising a 1987 convertible for $800. Out of curiosity, would things like tail light lenses headlights front end body panels and some interior parts carry over to the 91 model year? If those would work it would be extremely nice to have some spares and replacement parts for stuff that I can't readily get.

 

simply put - Yes.

 

If you have room/space for it

 

Well I replaced the cap, rotor, plugs, wires, and front crank sensor, but it still wont fire which leaves the engine speed sensor, ignitors, and coils as the few remaining culprits. Finally got some free time to pop the hood, so ill be having a field day with a multimeter today...

 

After several more months of head-scratching and lack of time to work on the car, the only things I haven't replaced are the ECU itself, the engine speed sensor on the flywheel , coils and the amplifiers. I bought two coil amplifiers used on eBay with the seller claiming that they both worked when they were removed from the car. Going to try those this weekend....

 

Good luck and keep at it, you will prevail