My 93 del sol is a dog under 4000 rpm then it's as if a turbo kicks in and screams. Is this normal? Can anything be done to correct this low rpm lack of power or just live with it?

 

That's pretty normal. The engine does like to spin. Do check the spark timing though, that can cause a significant loss of performance and mpg but no CEL codes.

 

How critical is the timing, would early or late be more of a problem? Thanks

 

I'm going to second mk378 on this. Check your timing. What engine is it, and is it a 5 speed or auto? If it's not bogging, bucking, choking, or stuttering below 4k I would say you're fine and just getting used to the characteristics of a sohc vtec. If your timing is too advanced you will generally see pinging at higher rpms or higher loads (uphill, or heavy throttle in low rpms.)

 

It is a 5 speed 1.5 liter I think. I set the timing, it seems to have more low end pull. Now, how do I adjust the idle? I didn't see any adjusting screw. Thanks again.

 

Google that one, prostreetonline has a pretty good article on it. Rarely do these engines need an idle adjustment, it's almost always indicative of another issue ie IACV issues, vacuum leaks etc.

 

Update, I reset the timing, it was quite late. What a difference. It still kicks in at around 4 G but it's quite spunky below that, very noticeable not much need to hit 4 G. It idles around 900 so I'LL leave it. It has 212,000 mi on it, runs like a top. Won't be long and I'LL have to put it away for winter.