lacking power, headers quiet

[chuckie]

for the past 2 days my car has seemed to have a lack of power once i put the foot down, it feels sort of flat. It doesnt pull around the 3K point like it normally does for me. I noticed an immediate note in engine sound (at least thats when i picked up on it) when i put petrol in (V-Power from shell, i regularly fill up there). I have custom headers and they are noticable when driving, but now i seem to hear the actual exhaust sound because the headers are quiet. The only other thing done to the car was my dad put some water (had no coolant) in the overflow tank a few days ago because it was running a bit low.

Any info would be appreciated as to why this may be occurring. Can bad fuel do this?

thanks in advance.

regards,

Michael.

[BJ]

Bad fuel is a possibility, but there could be something else wrong. It sounds like you need to get a good mechanic to look at it.

[Tradewind]

You are mentioning headers and power loss all in the same post more or less

To decide the relationship, how long have you had your custom made headers? Sometimes issues can arise not immediately but over time .......

Let us know, also maybe you should take the vehicle back to where you got your pipes made and have them check it over. It sounds to me like the design is wrong, what you describe is exactly what I found when we made our first prototype set, big power loss at 3000rpm, which is why we changed the design and collector as well. Quite possible that is the problem from my experience on the matter

[Robbks]

on top of what Tim has mentioned.

But yes, bad fuel will and does give a noticible difference in engine note when the ECU pulls a bunch of ignition timing out.

my car gets a very flat note if i try and give it lots of throttle at 1900rpm in 6th gear
with the drivers window down there is lots of audible pinging from the dogsh!t factory tune

[chuckie]

You are mentioning headers and power loss all in the same post more or less

To decide the relationship, how long have you had your custom made headers? Sometimes issues can arise not immediately but over time .......

Headers have been on for a few years, more than 3 or 4. The system was done in Brisbane so taking it back isn't really an option.

[Tradewind]

You are mentioning headers and power loss all in the same post more or less

To decide the relationship, how long have you had your custom made headers? Sometimes issues can arise not immediately but over time .......

Headers have been on for a few years, more than 3 or 4. The system was done in Brisbane so taking it back isn't really an option.

Maybe a collapsed catalytic converter, especially if its suddenly gotten quiet, either that or collapsed muffler, but if fuel is crook then burn it up

[chuckie]

how would i test if the cats are blocked or collapsed? The cats have been modified (gutted i think, although it was a while ago) so could this lead to problems? my cats are welded onto the Y-pipe, the other end is bolted onto the headers...

i hope it is just bad fuel...

[chuckie]

Just an update guys. I've gone through that tank of fuel and am almost through my next one and the issue is still there. Upon start up I can hear a loud ticking or rattle coming from the cat area, it's either that or the transmission? I'm guessing it's the cat due to the exhaust becoming much quieter. The sound decreases upon heating up but is still there. Could this cause problems if it was blocked and not resolved immediately?

Might have to go down to the local exhaust shop and get them pop in some high flow cats

Cheers.

[Tradewind]

Start with the converters

[chuckie]

Can anyone recommend some from experience? I would most likely be after some 200 cell ones

Thanks

[Tradewind]

An exhaust specialist can help you, go to a couple and get some quotes/brand names

[Robbks]

I've used both MetalCat and Redback cats with no issues
both were S/S bodies with metal substrate and 200CPI

when i get motivated my 3RB will be getting a pair of 200cpi Redback's