I have just returned from my mechanic with much lighter pockets and the same hard start issue. As of this time, we have confirmed that it is not the following items listed below by replacing each component with a spare unit or acutally testing the resistance.

EHA
OVP
Computer Ignition Module
Fuel Distributor
Air Flow Meter
Temp control Sensor
Cold Start Valve
Check Valve
Plug wires
Fuel Pressure Test (different results than the first test - no pressure loss)

Replaced coil, dist. cap, rotor, plugs

The mechanic has indicated that the Catalytic converter may be plugged which has caused the car to fail the emissions test. He used a device which detected the temp of the converter during operation. It was determined that the temp at the front of the converter was higher than the back.

He has also suggested that since the Converter was not functioning properly and allowing unburned gas back into the combustion chamber, it would effect the emission test and possibly the hard starts on the vehicle.

He disconnted the cat pipe at the exhaust header and allowed the engine to cool down then started the engine. He indicated that it did start easier and concluded that the converter should be replaced.

Would any seasoned mechanic be able to shed any light on my dilemma. I am extremely frustrated at the lack of results.

Thank you in advance.