CPS wiring or CPS = first thing I would inspect

 

Crank Position Sensor (CPS or CKP sensor, not CMP cam position sensor ) is located where it can detect the flex plate down low on the left side.

It is a magnetic or hall effect type sensor. The stinger goes between a circular set of steel fingers mounted on the flex plate. Not super difficult to access from below (the heat shield is a bit of a pain), and not too expensive a part. Other threads discuss refurbing the heat shield with aluminum foil or such. I used a chunk of aluminum sheet metal and bolted it to the transmission between the sensor and the exhaust manifold.

Hope this clears things up.

 

I have a '97 that I'd like to bypass as well. How did you do it?