Power loss, won't rev past 54k RPM

[Nophix]

Our '98 SVT developed a severe power loss as of late. I mean, struggling hard to get up to speed. I did plugs and wires, cleaned the MAF and intakes, and still lags bad.

There are no codes. I did have a cat efficiency below threshold for each bank, but after clearing they haven't come back.


Even free-revving the engine, it struggles to even get close to 5k rpm. You REALLY have to hold it down.

Fuel pressure is good.

My thoughts are leading to either plugged cat or bad MAF, but I would assume the MAF would throw a code.

One more thing. I broke my infrared thermo but the front section of the exhaust seems to get awfully hot.

Any ideas?

Thanks everyone.

 

[Manimillion]

Does your batter light come on at higher revs?

 

[Big Jim]

Have you checked the operation of the secondaries?

 

[BAD SVT]

Have you checked the operation of the secondaries?

that was my first guess to, but that would throw a code also.

 

[Nophix]

Problem solved. It was the cat.

I can honestly say, it felt like a completely different car. The thing is just retarded quick now, and sounds completely different.

 

[Big Jim]

that was my first guess to, but that would throw a code also.

Not always.

It sounds like you found it though. It has been a long time since I heard anyone posting about a plugged cat on Duratec. Thanks for the feedback.