Basic info:
1997 del Sol VTEC
Stock engine, no mods
Aftermarket exhaust

Car was wrecked and sat for a good while without being driven, though it was cranked and idled regularly. Fluids have been maintained and replaced as needed. Body damage corrected, axle replaced recently. Car is not legally registered at this point, so brief drives in the neighborhood are the limits of excursion. She idles nicely, cranks without complaint. Fuel pump, filter, and spark plugs have been replaced within 12 months.

While on her longest test drive yet, I found that she loses power when pushes to go over 3500rpm in 3rd gear. If I downshift, some power returns and she'll rev higher, but acceleration still drops out. After a few seconds of this she gives up, RPMs completely drop out and she stalls. Will crank and drive again immediately. No check engine light, no oil pressure light, no temp issues. No funny smells or leaks found. Gas tank is half full or so, oil and filter changed 3 months ago, levels on all fluids are normal. Does not sound like a misfire, isn't idling rough or making noises.

I'm posting a new thread because I haven't found anything similar on here. Other issues with power loss, but everyone else seems to get a CEL or some other error warning. Insight would be appreciated, this bitch is a money pit and my patience is wearing thin with her right now.

 

Check your timing.

 

Exactly what I was going to post.

Check mechanical and ignition timing.