I have 2000 SE, 5pd, with about 68k miles. I've been noticing for a while now but didn't really wanna do anything about it until now.

Basically, when I accelerate in 2+ gears, near or at full-throttle, I can feel the torque dropping quite noticably right as the rev goes past about 3200rpm and the engine never really recovers torque all the way to the redline. If I had to numbers on it, I'd guess something like 20% torque drop between 3000rpm and 3300rpm. The engine speed at which this happens is very consistent under any conditions. For example, in highway, I can accelerate better in 5th gear than in 4th gear in the speeds higher than say 75mph.

Here are some facts about my car:
- Haven't changed the plugs yet
- Get SES light, sometimes goes off by itself for a few days ("fuel injection system lean(right bank), P0171; and "EGR insufficient or excessive flow detected, P0400) These codes have been there for many months now but when I first saw them I didn't notice any power decreases as this.
- Always use premium gas, and make sure the cap is tight everytime

Does this scenario ring any bells? I'd bring it to a dealer and pay lots of money to fix these problems but I think I'd rather trade it in in a year so since the car isn't worth a whole lot anyways. I'm looking for a at least a quick fix right now.

I know I should change the plugs soon and address the SES probs but will these conditions cut the power at 3200 everytime? The variable timing kicks in at 4k, right? or maybe 4.5k but definitely not at 3.2k.

I'd appreciate any input.

 

The 2k VQ30DE has no Variable Valve Timing, but it does have Variable Intake runners which kick in around 4-5k... and California-spec emissions vehicles have a Swirl Control Valve which opens somewhere above idle...
Check out the small hoses going into a small box at the left-most side of the black plastic intake plenum (left-most meaning, towards the driver's side)... trace those hoses out to make sure they're not kinked anywhere (disconnect them completely and test it out, plus there are some wiring harnesses hooked up below that box, make sure they're plugged in)
If all else fails, try the dealer... something's gotta be wrong.