Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Power Loss

Sometimes I find my 98SVT not pulling the way it should when the secondaries open. Usually happens when the car is already come up to temp. Sometimes at around 3600 I can hear the sound change and I can feel a pull but only about 1/2 of what it should be. If I slow down and hit it again it may go back to normal or may not. Sometimes if it feels slow as I stay into it. I can feel it 'surge' a little stronger and then mellow out to its weaker state. Basically it feels like the runners are closing or partially closing???
The problem is now exaggerated because I have a free flow catalytic and a modified Ypipe so I feel a loss in bottom end. Now when I do a shift and the revs fall again, it feels like the runners are not even open. Car feels like it almost stumbles a little then starts to pull after about a second or two after the shift.

Mods are KKM filter and removed resonator as well as a high flow catalytic and a modified Ypipe (car revs a bit more free at the top of the RPM). First I have to find out why it feels like the car doesnt pull the same then figure out what happened to my Torque.


Sucks! Note that I did not reset the computer yet after the Ypipe mod. Figured that the computer is going to learn anyway since I've driven it for a coupe weeks.

Whens the last time you changed the plugs? John

I changed the plugs and wires early summer. I went with the Ford plantinums and stock replacement wires from ford. I've probably got about 13,000KM (or about 8,500 miles) on them now. The filter is a KKM and I cleaned it too but no change.

I would check the IMRC linkage. Sometimes the grommet deteriorates and comes loose. It the the linkage that opens up the secondaries. This happened to me, FWIW.

Hi,

I would check your IMRC system...cable (fraying, corrosion), linkage (binding, obstructed), butterflys (sticking), wiring (damaged, shorting, corroded connector), etc. Fuel system pressure maybe, fuel pump failing. Does it occur more often when you are low on fuel...1/4 tank or less?

Thats all I can think of...Ed

You know, now that you mention it. I think when I"m low on gas (less than 1/4 tank) it does feel a little more doggy than when I have nearly a full tank. I thought it didnt make sense since the car should be lighter and therefore faster. Thought I was on crack thinking it was slower.

So Fuel pump can also cause this kind of symptom huh?

Well I will tell you guys what I did do. I removed the cover over the IMRC box and took the connector out, then sprayed a tiny bit of WD40 on the contacts (on both connectors). I then plugged it in and out a few times (3-4 times) and then put everything back. Went for a 20 minute drive and I felt a big difference! Feels like its pulling much stronger. Like I just picked up 20HP and 20lbs of torque! I have a half tank of gas (91 octane Shell).

I will check all the other things everyone is suggesting. Why would the connector make such a difference? Does that IMRC box feed power to a motor somewhere or does it just give a small signal through that wire. I could understand that a weak connection would not allow good current flow but if its just sending a small signal (say a 5V signal) to something else that controls the motor then I dont have an explanation.

By the way. Anyone out there notice that they tend to lose top speed when its really cold outside (below freezing)? The car feels stronger down low but on the highway I feel more wind resistance even though I dont see trees moving. Can cold air be so much more dense that the car just cant go as fast? I can usually top out around 230km/hr in a cool summer night but only about 210 in winter. Mind you with this IMRC problem who knows - maybe I couldnt go any further because I was not making the power during that run.