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Why am I losing power?

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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 11:44 AM
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Default Why am I losing power?

This is difficult to put a finger on because there's no 1 major problem. Having flown for over 30 years , I usually give the "( for example)" doing the if my car were a jet....that said, let's say after all my engine work was done: Mass Air, cam, ported n polished TB, Heads, fuel rails , exhaust...
The DYNO run showed just shy of 80 extra ponies, approx 447whp or there abouts. All this work was done at the same time just 1900 miles ago.
Suffice it to say I could not remove the smile on my face all the way home as I was extremely pleased with the HUGE difference in HP. I don't drive it very often but the last 2times out it idled roughly, dying on me twice. Bottom line is if it were a jet I feel like it went from 10k lbs of thrust to 7k lbs for no reason. Hasn't been abused, raced overly hard or tracked. Just doesn't mk sence. It's to much money to go semi south like this. Somebody HELP P L E A S E!!! OH btw, I run a 4/1 mix of 4 gals 100 octane to 14 gals 91. Any advise hugely appreciated!!

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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 12:02 PM
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Well....maybe the easiest is to inspect for an intake leak.

Second easiest, test the spark plug wires and make sure the plugs are torqued.
Maybe even remove the plugs and inspect.
Of course checking for codes (even if check engine light is not on) would be prudent.

Rough idle is your current clue.
Could be anything with all that work.
MAF issue, Fuel Injector issue come to mind.

Good hunting!

Last edited by Kenny94945; Aug 3, 2016 at 07:33 PM. Reason: grammer
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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 12:04 PM
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Any codes present, you said it runs rough. Should put out codes. I'd start by monitoring the misfire count/history. Possibly bad coil and or plug or wire.

Your car is N/A correct?
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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 12:15 PM
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Originally Posted by rpmextra
Any codes present, you said it runs rough. Should put out codes. I'd start by monitoring the misfire count/history. Possibly bad coil and or plug or wire.

Your car is N/A correct?
Firstly, thanks everyone. I'm guessing that's meaning it's a 6 speed? Yes it is. No codes present. After reading all that....all in seeing is $$$$$$!!!
But if I had a " leak"- intake , plug(s)... My exhaust is sounding extremely
Odd! Sounds awesome for 6/8 " heartbeats," then like I've got water in my
Loudmouth catback2's or a gurgling sound. Does that for same amt of time then bk to normal and so ON. Just one thing, should I be BIG TIME WORRIED?
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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 12:21 PM
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Originally Posted by rpmextra
Any codes present, you said it runs rough. Should put out codes. I'd start by monitoring the misfire count/history. Possibly bad coil and or plug or wire.

Your car is N/A correct?
FORGIVE ME, but I'm a Pilot not a mechanic. I can do the basics of course and I can machine/fabricate darn near anything. But how do I check for an intake leak? Thanks. R...
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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 12:24 PM
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Originally Posted by RobsC6Z51w/508hp
Firstly, thanks everyone. I'm guessing that's meaning it's a 6 speed? Yes it is. No codes present. After reading all that....all in seeing is $$$$$$!!!
But if I had a " leak"- intake , plug(s)... My exhaust is sounding extremely
Odd! Sounds awesome for 6/8 " heartbeats," then like I've got water in my
Loudmouth catback2's or a gurgling sound. Does that for same amt of time then bk to normal and so ON. Just one thing, should I be BIG TIME WORRIED?
N/A means Natural Aspirated. in other words I was wondering if you had a supercharger or turbo. If that were the case I would say it was likely a intake hose clamp or coupling where you'd be loosing boost and all kinds of power. But I take it that your car is All motor no power adders.
since you don't have any codes, I would get a scanner on it and see if you can monitor the misfire data. If one or more cylinder have an issue, we can transfer some parts around to locate the issue with spending any money.
good advice above about the intake. It may not have been retorqued after a heat cylcle and be leaking. usually would pop a code but you might not have drove it enough for the car's pcm to pick it up yet.
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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 12:27 PM
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who did all the work to it recently and why not give them a call? I doubt its a huge problem but you honestly don't seem comfortable enough to tackle it. Not picking at you, there are shops for that very reason. Not everyone works on their own car. No shame in that
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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 12:32 PM
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Originally Posted by rpmextra
N/A means Natural Aspirated. in other words I was wondering if you had a supercharger or turbo. If that were the case I would say it was likely a intake hose clamp or coupling where you'd be loosing boost and all kinds of power. But I take it that your car is All motor no power adders.
since you don't have any codes, I would get a scanner on it and see if you can monitor the misfire data. If one or more cylinder have an issue, we can transfer some parts around to locate the issue with spending any money.
good advice above about the intake. It may not have been retorqued after a heat cylcle and be leaking. usually would pop a code but you might not have drove it enough for the car's pcm to pick it up yet.
Oh, ok. Sorry, I feel stupid. Guess I need to study up on mY acrynms. Lol.
But yes, iM a big believer in normally aspirated motors. But oddly enough, having had a turbo diesel your examples are dead on sir! I'm not exactly very sharp rt now as I just got in this AM from my reg 9 day trip and I've been up for 2.25 days. Can't sleep when worried about my car. Sincerest thanks. Really appreciate it
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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 12:39 PM
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Originally Posted by rpmextra
who did all the work to it recently and why not give them a call? I doubt its a huge problem but you honestly don't seem comfortable enough to tackle it. Not picking at you, there are shops for that very reason. Not everyone works on their own car. No shame in that
You are very right. And im not at all ashamed to admit it!!
But that's exactly what I'm about to do. Actually I think it's still
Under the warranty they gave me. I'm not being evasive, I just don't
Want who did my engine work to think I'm unhappy with them. Quite
The contrary. Just hope I am received with a positive
Attitude. You never know how a speed shop will react when semi
Asking for ," warranty" work. You have been awesome. Thank you
Very much
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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 01:15 PM
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Originally Posted by RobsC6Z51w/508hp
You are very right. And im not at all ashamed to admit it!!
But that's exactly what I'm about to do. Actually I think it's still
Under the warranty they gave me. I'm not being evasive, I just don't
Want who did my engine work to think I'm unhappy with them. Quite
The contrary. Just hope I am received with a positive
Attitude. You never know how a speed shop will react when semi
Asking for ," warranty" work. You have been awesome. Thank you
Very much
Things happen and as long as you don't bust in the door and accuse them they should have no problem at all. I think you just need to ask them to check out what it could be before even talking about warranty. Then depending what it is, we see if it's something that they may have had their hands on.
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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 01:39 PM
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Originally Posted by rpmextra
Things happen and as long as you don't bust in the door and accuse them they should have no problem at all. I think you just need to ask them to check out what it could be before even talking about warranty. Then depending what it is, we see if it's something that they may have had their hands on.
You're very smart and again, correct. Just got off the phone with them and said exactly that. In fact, I simply asked if he'd please give it a thorough
Look over as I was losing power in a substantial way. Didn't even hint what he did was coming unglued!! But once they have it, I'll have to stick to my guns. I don't honestly know them that well n you never know how someone will react to performing alot of repair work for free. I only went there from advice from one of my co pilots who has a ZR1! GOD, I HATE HIM!! LOL. I'll have one before I'm dead. By the by...how in the world will I know if they are being honest n fair? I'm guessing no way. Thanks again
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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 01:45 PM
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Originally Posted by RobsC6Z51w/508hp
You're very smart and again, correct. Just got off the phone with them and said exactly that. In fact, I simply asked if he'd please give it a thorough
Look over as I was losing power in a substantial way. Didn't even hint what he did was coming unglued!! But once they have it, I'll have to stick to my guns. I don't honestly know them that well n you never know how someone will react to performing alot of repair work for free. I only went there from advice from one of my co pilots who has a ZR1! GOD, I HATE HIM!! LOL. I'll have one before I'm dead. By the by...how in the world will I know if they are being honest n fair? I'm guessing no way. Thanks again
Thank you.
Most guys are honest. But maybe once you get a diagnosis report back here and let us see if that makes sense. If any parts need to be replaced ask for them back.
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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 01:59 PM
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RobsC6Z51w/508hp
Sounds like the car is possibly loosing fuel pressure and the air fuel ratio is being leaned out as the engine speed is increased. This seems to be not a unusall problem here, as it's pleaged a few guys on this forum.
Also with high octane mix in the tank, is that fuel fresh?

Last edited by extrapilot; Aug 3, 2016 at 02:01 PM.
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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 02:32 PM
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Originally Posted by rpmextra
Thank you.
Most guys are honest. But maybe once you get a diagnosis report back here and let us see if that makes sense. If any parts need to be replaced ask for them back.
I'll do it. They are very busy and can't get to my car till next Wed. But I'll report what's diagnosed. Tk care. R____
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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 02:41 PM
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Originally Posted by extrapilot
RobsC6Z51w/508hp
Sounds like the car is possibly loosing fuel pressure and the air fuel ratio is being leaned out as the engine speed is increased. This seems to be not a unusall problem here, as it's pleaged a few guys on this forum.
Also with high octane mix in the tank, is that fuel fresh?
That's a darn good question. But that's just one thing I've lucked out on. 100 octane unleaded race fuel is extremely scarce out here and even more so expensive. It's Not at all uncommon to see guys from 60-90 miles away
At that VP RACING FUELS station in their Lambs, Ferarri's, Pors....you get the pic. All I don't get is how this came on so suddenly. Just prohibits nothing serious. I'll let you all know. GOD bless and sincere thanks to everyone that chimed in to help. I sincerely appreciate it. Would put all if you up in First class....if we were EVER EMPTY. YEAAAA RIIIIGHT! But thanks much everybody. Your first rate folks! Cheers. R____
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Old Aug 4, 2016 | 07:13 PM
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Originally Posted by gsflyer2011
Did you buy the car with all those add ons or put them on after?, sounds like after. If it isthe case say goodby the your warranty, unless who ever sold the car to you are very gracious and giving people. Naturally if you do modifications to the car they cannot be responsible for the problems caused by it.

Also what kind of 100 octane gas are you talking about?, Aviation?, if you are using LL, that could be your problem too.
He's taking it back to where the mods were recently done. 1900mi ago I believe he said. Who said dealer warranty??
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Old Aug 5, 2016 | 10:35 PM
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Default Why am I losing power....cont

Originally Posted by RobsC6Z51w/508hp
FORGIVE ME, but I'm a Pilot not a mechanic. I can do the basics of course and I can machine/fabricate darn near anything. But how do I check for an intake leak? Thanks. R...
Hey, thanks for answering for me. What you said to the guy who asked about warranty was right. Yes, I had all the work done myself. The
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Old Aug 5, 2016 | 10:44 PM
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[QUOTE=RobsC6Z51w/508hp;1592786922]Hey, thanks for answering for me. What you said to the guy who asked about warranty was right. Yes, I had all the work done myself. The warranty I spoke of was from the shop that did all the work. However, I wanted you to know that today I got under the hood and tightened everything on top and to my amazement, all of Of them were in fact loose. I took her for a little drive and it seemed much better but I'm still taking her in this next week to let the experts give her the look over. Maybe you were right, my intake might have had a small leak plus all the bands needed tightening from mass air all the way back to the throttle body. Will let you know . R____
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Old Aug 5, 2016 | 10:49 PM
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Nice. I know that my fast intake would back off after some driving. So I used blue loctite the last time I installed it.
Not sure why he erased his replies, the thing about the jet fuel was a valid point. Did always use this mixture? Was the car tuned with that fuel in it? Why would you need such a fuel? Do you track the car?
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Old Aug 6, 2016 | 12:05 AM
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Originally Posted by rpmextra
Nice. I know that my fast intake would back off after some driving. So I used blue loctite the last time I installed it.
Not sure why he erased his replies, the thing about the jet fuel was a valid point. Did always use this mixture? Was the car tuned with that fuel in it? Why would you need such a fuel? Do you track the car?
I have deleted my replies after careful re reading of his post, and lets admit it the ops writing is bit eclectic, one needs to read between the lines, that when the warranty he was talking about was the warranty given by the installer, not from where he bought the the car. And as far as the fuel he later wrote that it was a racing fuel not aviation fuel. Yes after installation of anything parts loosen up, just like the wheels, they need to be retorqued or re tightened. On a passing note we no longer fly jets, those were the products of 50,s now it is all turbofans. Tongue in cheek as i am a pilot myself, but know too many that do not know which way to turn a lug nut to loosen, one in specific that kept tightening it so badly that it would not come of anymore, it had to be torched off ruining the expensive BMW wheel. Thank god he only flies cargo.
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