brad34785

I have a '99 Si, and it feels like the engine is more restricted now than ever before. the car has 120k+ miles on it now, and i've done all the routine maintenance to the car. i've kept it in the best shape i know how, yet it still feels like it's lacking something. it just doesn't have that same power as before. it feels like it hesitates during acceleration real bad, and it is not as responsive anymore. could someone shed some light on this for me? maybe throw me some ideas as to what to check? i would MUCH appreciate it!

duggy

Tried to adjust timing yet? I'd first start off with that, spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor.

2000EM1

Do a compression and leakdown test.

120k miles on a car isn't a whole lot unless it was beat to death in it's younger years. Still wouldn't hurt to see what kinda compression the cylinders are running now.

Ithinkyourlost

we both kinda think exhaust, so what do you all think about clogging of the stock exhaust piping?

Maybe if he upgrades to a new and larger piping size, say 2.25 think that would revive that vtec power?

Furious Styles

Look at the most simple things first. Things that won't break the bank. Look at the intake side, filter, box if you still have it. Check your gound wire (many car problems are solved right there). Already mentioned, cap, rotor, plug wires. Then go to your exhaust side. The first thing that comes to mind is a plugged catalytic converter, but they can be kinda hard to check if its welded in. Check your V-tec solenoid. It has a little screen to stop debris and can clog also. I hope this helps.

808_si

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Furious Styles &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Look at the most simple things first. Things that won't break the bank. Look at the intake side, filter, box if you still have it. Check your gound wire (many car problems are solved right there). Already mentioned, cap, rotor, plug wires. Then go to your exhaust side. The first thing that comes to mind is a plugged catalytic converter, but they can be kinda hard to check if its welded in. Check your V-tec solenoid. It has a little screen to stop debris and can clog also. I hope this helps.</TD></TR></TABLE>

brad34785

thank you guys. yes i will definitely check out my dist. cap. and rotor. those are things i haven't done yet. also the ground. i didn't think of that either... ugh.

EJ4door

and change your fuel filter too

Furious Styles

Hey just remember (I don't think people say this enough). Take small steps... baby steps even. You'll learn more, spend less money, and be more efficient by going slower.
P.S. and thanks for the thumbs up!

brad34785

yeh. i am thinking i need a tune up REAL bad! i did replace my rotor and cap. but the car has still been feeling a little sluggish. i guess it IS possible that the cat may be clogged, idk. but there is definitely a thick buildup of black gunk around the inside of my tailpipe, so i am thinking i will take it in for a major tune up, and then at some point i was going to upgrade the exhaust anyway. thank you guys for all your help, and btw, here are some pics of the Si!... if you care to see.