I figured it'd be something inside that timing cover that was building static as it rotated, since after I turn the car off I can still get one good spark off the crank pulley by touching metal near/to it. After that discharge it is fine until I crank the engine over and/or let it run a few seconds. The fact that we are having similar issues after messing around with the timing belt really really makes me feel like static buildup is a very logical explanation. Now, to see if I can get the shop to take a look at it for no charge, since it was done months ago, will be another feat!

So fellow bug zapper - where did you get your parts when you did your timing belt change? I'm wondering if this fix may be as simple as swapping over to factory Hyundai stuff ?

Well, I got mine from Autozone. So perhaps switching to OEM would help, I dunno. At this point, since the beta swap is forthcoming, I'm not to concerned; I just bolted an extra block-to-chassis ground on and let it bleed off!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (magus_arcana @ Aug 7 2009, 11:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Well, I got mine from Autozone. So perhaps switching to OEM would help, I dunno. At this point, since the beta swap is forthcoming, I'm not to concerned; I just bolted an extra block-to-chassis ground on and let it bleed off!</div>
If I recall correctly my parts were from Autozone too....I also put a ton of extra high quality grounds but it has not made a difference. Has yours stopped with the grounding now that a month has passed?

ok question time

does it have a/c?
the spark goes between the crank pulley and the firewall...but doesnt touch the frame rail or the motor mount?

I have no AC. Spark ONLY goes from pulley to oil pan, or if I were to hold a metal tool near the crank pulley, even after car is shut off, it'll discharge a single spark over to the tool. That is why I believe it is some type of static charge and not a normal electrical issue. It occurs only after the motor has rotated a few times, and once discharged it is done (unless motor is running, where it will apparently 'recharge')