98 Mr2 more sluggish than 96?

[shayam]

Hi Guys,

It's been a while since I logged into here. So long that I've had to create a new account!

I was hoping someone could give me some advice.
I recently bought my second MR2. A 1998 S reg n/a but although it is a mint example it seems really sluggish compared to my 1996 N reg n/a.

Does anyone know if this is normal? I can't get it to take off the way the old MR2 used to. It picks up speed a lot slower and seems to take ages to even get up to 70!
I'm hoping it's a simple fix but any idea's would be great.
Also my power steering isn't very "power assisted" I've checked the fluid levels and they're fine... a bit clueless really.

Cheers for any feedback

[bluesmoke]

I think you've posted in the wrong section!

You might have a binding brake caliper. Check all the wheels after a run and see if one or more are noticeably hotter than the others. You'd also see fuel consumption plummet if this was happening.

[shayam]

what can I do if it is a binding caliper? I had the brakes changed recently but it all seemed ok...

[burtosa]

shayam
I had same problem with my 98 rev 5 n/a try looking at dist cap +rotro arm may be burnt out mine was -careful with dis cap screws abit of patience wd 40 helps also check for free play throttle cable -
full open barrels dont arrive till 4500 rpm so check linkages on inlet
manifold

[shayam]

Hi Burtosa,

Nice one for the info mate. Where can I get a rotor arm and distributor from?

And what do you mean by full open barrels don't arrive till 4500 rpm so check linkages on inlet manifold ? Don't quite understand that. Maybe I need to be told in easier terms
Cheers

[uglee]

The later revisions had EGR which sapped a bit of power compared to the Rev3 versions. Simple case of blanking it off restores a bit of poke hopefully. Also get your timing checked and the usual ignition components for wear etc.

[ryan]

I found my 1997 n/a had no go in it whatsover. I was talking to Tim on the other forum, he reckons that knock sensor had gone and was pulling the timing back. This doesnt always show on fault code, and hes had a few with this problem. Unless the car is 'pinking'/missing I doubt its your ignition components.

[shayam]

are there any checks I can do to make sure it's the lambda before purchasing one? Don't fancy spending £100 if that's not the culprit

[burtosa]

try camskill for dist cap rotor arm or toyota if you want quality will probably last longer
dont spend apenny til you sort out what the problem is rather than sprinkling money at parts that may not improve situation
focus on parts you can visibly see are exeptionally worn i e
dis cap etc
follow through imoc site and the answers- info probably here
fitted with acis system think of the old twin choke on one barrel when needed 2nd barrel open this is the modern equivelent of the twin choke carburretor
while somebody presses acc pedal engine running note if at the rear of engine the cable open the acis unit

[toxo]

I've moved this thread to the MK2 forum

[g.lewarne]

i personally would start by ckecing the following things:

Dizzy cap / rotor arm (and replace if cruddy or worn)
HT leads - causing a misfire under load is quite possible
Spark plugs
Ignition timing
Fuel Filter
EGR valve
Clean Throttle body and ISCV
Check all vacuum pipes
Check Cam timing - might be out a tooth or two
Throttle cable - adjust till no slack


Depending on the mileage, i would start with a new fuel filter (worth doing anyway) visual checks of ignition compenents, and work from there.

[ryan]

I meant to say knock sensor in my post not oxygen sensor
Perhaps timing belt has been put on and missed a tooth out? Its very easily done as I have witnessed today

[Driftlimits Performance]

you could play the guessing game all day long!

Get it looked at and fix what needs fixing, rather than buying random parts and hoping!

[fishy89]

you could play the guessing game all day long!

Get it looked at and fix what needs fixing, rather than buying random parts and hoping!

Agreed, mine has same symptoms, seems to be dead, i,e no power whatsoever.

will be coming to see you soon luke!

cheers

simon

[Keri-WMS]

They didn't make the (3SFE) Coupe that late by any chance did they?

[ryan]

They didn't make the (3SFE) Coupe that late by any chance did they?

No im sure the UK only had the FE until 1991

[Keri-WMS]

They didn't make the (3SFE) Coupe that late by any chance did they?

No im sure the UK only had the FE until 1991

That's what I thought - but my understanding is based on Wikipedia where "facts" are not 100% reliable I've found!

[ryan]

They didn't make the (3SFE) Coupe that late by any chance did they?

No im sure the UK only had the FE until 1991

That's what I thought - but my understanding is based on Wikipedia where "facts" are not 100% reliable I've found!

I'm 99% sure im right on this though