Cleaning the contacts:
Cleaning the J3 Connector on the PCM.
As far as the "lopey cam" sound, is it a situation that causes a "ruh-ruh-ruh-ruh" sound (say "ruh" just a tad faster than once a second)?
If so, it's almost a normal characteristic when it's below 30 degrees outside and if you're using 15/40 oil. It should only last a few seconds though. If it's a rhythmic miss, check the exhaust while it's doing it....any white smoke that smells like raw fuel?