So I used Cipher to up the idle and it doesnt stall when I push the clutch anymore. The idle drops a bit and then recovers and now the noise is intermittent. The VTC solenoids arent working either because I revved past 2k RPM and the timing didnt change on either bank and the VTC output was at 0. How are you supposed to ground them to test and see if they're working?

 

Also, does anyone know a good mechanic in the Taneytown, MD area? I cant do this anymore...

 

I wonder if your ground is going through the clutch! Clutch in, no ground; clutch out, got ground. If your real ground is gone, then something like this is possible.

 

Whats the verdict?! I just read this thread in its entirety, and it just ended with nothing resolved! Did you (or another mechanic) figure out the issue?