Coolant takes 15 min to reach operating temp

[mikeg216]

And the engine runs poorly and backfires if not warmed up. Im thinking bad thermostat clogged cat bad hoses or a combination of those. Any suggestions om where to start looking?

 

[my98nnj]

It shouldn't run poorly or backfire when it's cool. Check the engine coolant temp sensor.
You may need a new thermostat to help you get up to operating temp quicker. My 98 does take a good few minutes to reach operating temp, a bit longer then my Nissan.

 

[Betsy98Sport]

And the engine runs poorly and backfires if not warmed up. Im thinking bad thermostat clogged cat bad hoses or a combination of those. Any suggestions om where to start looking?

Definitely replace the thermostat first and the engine running poorly could be due the temperature sender not sending correct temp to the computer therefore hindering timing so could be either or both.

But I would replace the thermostat ($5-8) first since it's the cheapest and flush the coolant while your at it.

If that doesn't do it. I'd say the temp sender ($15-20). Both are easy to replace