Still too slow...need a bit of help.

[87TTypeKid]

For whatever reason, I can't seem to figure out why my car just doesn't want to "go"...it gets relatively good mpg (17) for my knock-around driving, but its presently not going under the 14s, whereas prior to any modification I had a 13.69 pass..

My upgrades are in my sig, minus my recently added adjustable FPR..

I know the first thing anyone is going to ask is "have you hooked it up to a scanner to check your O2 volts, blms, etc etc"... the answer is no..sadly I have insufficient money to shell out for a $280 scanner and everyone around me in the area drives glorified lawn-trimming equipment.

Where should I start? The most I can deduce thus far is the following-
-slight lifter tap on the passenger side
-cracked driver's side exhaust manifold
-turbo passes oil pretty badly
-WOT occasionally gives me that "nails in a can" sound..detonation, I'm assuming?
-original 171,000 mile valve springs
-original knock sensor...worn out perhaps?

I will have a new turbo on the way soon, but I'd like to know where to go from there. Also, the links on various web pages are somewhat useless in helping me find a source for the DirectScan software and hardware.


Thank you all for whatever help you can give. I do appreciate it.

 

[turbo39151]

You can afford a new turbo but not a scanmaster?

You've got to do the basics before you start adding the "goodies"

 

[ChavoLC2]

Basic cleaning and tuning

Borrow a scan tool even buy an old OTC 2000 or 4000 they will give you some numbers. If your hearing a bucket full of nails under boost you need to back off a little unless you wanna change head gaskets. Wait on the turbo unless it's areplacement that works correctly do some spring cleaning set IAC,TPS,get new plugs and wires,change oil, check tranny out, change oil and filter. Check all your vacuum lines. Get a fpg and and adj fpr. Check tire press. change diff, oil and put posi addit. Check brakes for propper function check and see how much you have left on pads and shoes.etc,etc,get that header fixed/welded. Is the turbo you getting a stock replacement that doesn;t pass oil thru the seals? She'll clean up nice.

 

[Dreamcar86]

Brother I would highly recommend that you head to Turbo Regal Web Site and look up the spring cleaning section. If you have exhaust leaks and a shot turbo there are two problems right there. As for the 171K on the factory valve springs that is not helping out you cause either.
First things first, get the car mechanically sound before pushing it. When everything is in order then you can start tuning the car. As for not having a scan tool of some sort you are flying BLIND. You have to know what the car is doing before you can even begin tunning. You may not want to hear these things but there is no way around it. Look in the for sale section or ebay for a used Scanmaster. When you hear the nails in a can sound that is the sound of a future blown head gasket.

 

[dgoodhue]

If you can't afford a scan tool, you can't afford to fix the motor when it break. I wouldn't go WOT thottle until you save up some money.

 

[Boost231]

+1 on the scan tool. Scan Master or a Powerlogger is the way to go.

 

[Pronto]

Nobody mentioned the timing gear either, donuts to dollars that's got like 4 teeth left on it.

 

[87TTypeKid]

I maintain the car pretty well. It gets fresh oil, plugs, and filters at less than the usual intervals. The trans and rear end are in order with good fluids and are functioning properly. I use the stock AC-R44TS plugs and MSD wires.

IAC has not been touched, and the TPS is at the proper voltage. The fuel pressure right now is about 40-41 psi line-off.

Now, my next logical step would be to straighten out the valvetrain. Any pointers on doing the springs? And how can I eliminate the tap I am hearing?

I haven't checked the timing chain at all..I'm guessing I probably should given the mileage on the motor...although it would have been easier when I changed the water pump last spring...


Anyone have any opinions about the different data logging methods? I would actually prefer something besides a scanmaster...having all of the parameters at once would be more helpful rather than having to cycle through them.

Again, thanks for all the help, and the continued input is appreciated.

 

[johnnyttype]

data loggers are pretty nice, available at fullthrottlespeed.com. i think u need a laptop though! FULL THROTTLE SPEED - Item Description Page

 

[tim87tr]

Enjoy the car

Cracked ds header will make a 13 sec car a 14, a 12 sec car a 13, etc. Running that low of boost is smart on an engine with that many miles, but I wouldn't expect to be blasting out big numbers at the track. Fix the header and enjoy the car instead of a number. Not everyone owns a 20 year old piece of history. You have many years ahead to bolt-on and fix-up.

I hope you bought a used stock turbo in good shape for that high mileage engine. I just sold one earlier this year for $100. Get a scanmaster when you can afford it and you'll learn a lot more about your current state of tune.

 

[87TTypeKid]

Actually, the turbo is original. As far as being a piece of history, its more on its way to becoming a relic for the most part...the body is in really bad shape in some places, so basically I am going to wait on the restoration until time and money will allow it.

 

[ChavoLC2]

Cracked header

Did you get that header fixed yet?

 

[bsdlinux]

-WOT occasionally gives me that "nails in a can" sound..detonation, I'm assuming?

Look nails in the can, could = nails in the coffin for your motor. Save your pennies, get a scan tool. I've seen laptops and Turbolink go for less than 200 on here before. You can't do anything with these cars without a scantool.