So Ive read some stuff about the 5th gen cars being sluggish up until around 3k RPM. This has made me take heed to what my car is doing as well. When I get just over 3k RPM it seems like there is a little boost, like Ive gotten more power. Not on the order of the VTEC kicking in, but enough that I can feel a difference.

Could this be something with the throttle body, or the controller chip that one guy mentioned was his problem?

Also, what is the name of the instrument that I would be able to use to check for error codes, and how do I use it/plug it in etc.

 

Sounds like a bad knock sensor, as I had the exact same thing. You should be throwing a check engine light, unless the previous owner was a fucktard and removed the bulb (actually happened to me).
Go to an AutoZone and give them a $150 refundable deposit and plug it in next to where the customer's left leg would be. (There's a removable panel).

 

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Also, what is the name of the instrument that I would be able to use to check for error codes, and how do I use it/plug it in etc.</TD></TR></TABLE>

OBD2 scanner...you can get one on eBay for $40. Comes with instructions

 

Do you have a CEL on?

 

CEL?

 

u mean revving to 3k from a deadstop and losing power when u go? or 3k in every gear feels sluggish?
CEL = check engine light

 

everything below 3k RPM feels sluggish. Right when it gets to 3k RPM it feels like it has more power... kinda like the vtec kicking in, but not as much of a difference.

ok.. NO CEL

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dagle &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">u mean revving to 3k from a deadstop and losing power when u go? or 3k in every gear feels sluggish?
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Sounds like the Typical Honda issue.....not enough displacement!

 

displacement?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ConanDan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">displacement?</TD></TR></TABLE>

You can't expect much below 3000 or 5000 for that matter with 2.2 liters....

 

yeah but the problem is that there is a surge of sorts at 3k rpm, as if Im not getting my full power below that.

 

fouled o2 sensor?
fouled spark plugs?plug wires?
clogged cat?
fuel pressure?
list could go on.....either check cels (if any), or check components from dizzy to plug wires to plugs. I have a leaky plug gasket which caused bogginess and no cel. in the process of replacing since I am paint my VC =p

 

Also check if your IABs are opening, at 4900rpms instead of staying open
if they are not closed at low RPMs you will loose alot of tq and it would seem like your car is extremely sluggish. Also your car might bog when going up steep hills.
And if they are not working properly, you will not get a CEL you will just feel the difference in low end torque

 

how do I check that?

 

I really think the first thing you should do is get an obd-II scanner and see if it is throwing codes.

 

the butterflies are on the open position when the car is off, make sure they are switched closed when the car is on