I'm trying to increase performance on my car. The problem I'm having is when I accelerate now It feels like the car is carrying a very heavy load.

My car has approximately 190k. I know it's getting old, but I'm thinking this has something to do with the exhaust system.

It just feels like there is not much air going through my stock muffler.

Should i get a new y-pipe? or b-pipe? or entire catback system?

 

Get a compression test and do a leak down test first. Than start looking at engine maintenance. It could be something simple.

 

Do you have any codes? If not check for the ghost knock sensor code.

 

That's because it is, roughly ~3100lbs of car. Check with krismax, I think he might possibly have an idea or two on how to drop a few pounds.

 

Well about 6 months ago, it would just pick up like nothing. Now i really have to hold down the pedal to go faster. It sounds like I have an intake / but i don't

 

If you have no codes then you would think that maybe your air filter is clogged or some thing is clogged in the inake system. Or it could be the Knock Sensor. you never know on these high maintanence cars of ours.

 

You definately need to check for the knock sensor code. If the knock sensor is not failing, take some time and clean your IACV, Throttle body and possibly the EGR valve.

 

Yeh Check EGR system, fuel injectors, fuel filter, or theres something clogged in your exhaust system

 

Seafome is always an idea.

 

here what i've done so far

Changed the fuel filter 2 months ago
Cleaned the Throttle Body
I do regular oil changes and change the air filter.

So I don't know.

 

If the exhaust was clogged you would deffinatly get a code so you might want to take the car to a mechanic because i bet nobody here can really help you unless they really know what their talking about or can look at the car like a mechanic, and most people on here think they know what they are talking about but dont realy.

 

Case in point - you won't get a code for a clogged exhaust.

The closest I can imagine would be insufficient catalyst efficiency if the cat is plugged up and barely letting anything through, but even then I doubt it.

Only 'insufficient flow' DTC the A32 has, IIRC, is for the EGR.

 

well my cat was clogged and I got a code, I definatly felt a difference when I got it fixed but not before because it was not a significant change like your describing so its probably not the cat. I dont know what pmohr is trying to say. But he probably knows more about the subject then me I'm just trying to give advice on what has happed to me with my max in the past.

 

What was the code?

 

I have no Idea it was before I knew how to read my codes with a screw driver so my mechanic pulled the code, its hard for me to rember since so many god damn things have gone rong with my car.

 

Mabye an EGR code, I know I got and EGR code after insaling my y pipe and catback. The theory was that the opened up exhuast gave less back pressure and the EGR thought that some thing was wrong so I was going to have to deal with always having a check engine light but now the check engin light is never on any more which does not make sence to me. It hade been on for a year and now is gone. Im sorry this does not have much to do with this thread i got off topic a rambled.

 

i know we are talking about engine stuff and codes. but double check that your calipers arn't sticking, I had one stick on me and it made my car feel real slow. they are common on these cars to seize up so its worth a look.

 

when mine felt like that it was my coil packs that were going. i replaced them it was like day and night

 

i would guess something to do with your exhaust/intake system. i was messing around with my step moms car the other day and just for fun looked at her airfilter which was completely clogged and black, after replacing it she has the same problem with acceleration, i have NO idea how a new airfilter could harm a car but if anyone finds out im interested.