I recently replaced the engine in my VE with a lower mileage one. Its is running fine, no serious complaints. My only concern right now is that under normal driving conditions it feels incredible but when I get into high performance mode it feels like it drags a little in second gear until it reaches high rpm levels (around 4500). I really don't know what this could be since it only happens under heavy acceleration. What could this be?

 

Just guessing here, but I'd say its not burning completely. I'd probably advance the timing alittle and see if it helps just as a simple little test/fix.

 

Have you done anything to your exhaust, cause that seems like a syntom of insuficient back pressure, or your timing might be a littel bit messed up...

 

The car has a Greddy catback, but that has been on there since I bought the car and it use to run fine. I had my street mechanic look at it and he said I have a vacuum leak. Could that be the reason why im dragging in second?
If so why only in second?

 

I have that problem too, mine usually takes off at 3000 rpm instead of 4500 rpm, I just thought that was the nature of the beast. I'd like to know why also. I have a stock exhaust, and no idea when the timing chain was last replaced. Could this be caused by a bad O2 sensor at all?

 

Well, my friend replaced the 02 sensors and the problem went away, and well the lack of backpressure (if the leak is enough which I doubt) could jsut be the problem of this situation. anotehr thing might jsut be tranny, but I'd have to feel it to really tell...

 

I think that it might be the computer reading the knock sensor pulling the timing back. try running higher octane.

 

Everything we could say without looking at the car is complete speculation. the one thing I CAN tell you is that it's not a vacuum leak. at heavy throttle, there is almost zero vacuum in the engine to worry about a vacuum leak. only under idle will you see a problem if you've got a vacuum leak.

 

Hey, Matt. How's Houston treating you?? Are you working now?

 

Thanks for the info. Im gonna check the O2 sensor and the timing. I post soon to let you know what I find

 

I finally got the problem checked out. It turned out that my timing was all screwed up. The people I had do the install never adjusted it. Thanks for all the info everyone!

 

still goofing off around the house, no job yet. I'll find one someday. as for now, I'm just building toys around the garage. look for some cool stuff soon.