You'll of course remember rebuilding my wife's engine, it was the one with the bent rod and bad camshaft (Barry and Gena Armstrong). I have some questions now that you guys might be able to answer for me, if you can. If not, others may have some input.
I have noticed since the rebuild that the takeoff and the first few gears are extremely sluggish. Once it gets into about 3rd gear or so, it's fine. Obviously I don't expect a launch like my Charger SRT8, but I think it should be way less bogged down. I'm sure I only noticed it now that the engine is clean and rebuilt.
For other post-watchers, here's a list of what has been done to the car's (95 Stealth RT/NA/ATX) powertrain, just for input's sake......
Dual exhaust added by previous owner (checked, no leaks)
ATX rebuild done by local trans specialist (less than 1k mi ago)
Engine rebuild, 120k maint, tune-up and dyno done by 3SX (less than 500 mi ago)
CAI added by me after engine rebuild (tight fit, lots of airflow)
Are there any other parts/components I should look at, upgrade, or troubleshoot to see what the problem might be to improve the launch and acceleration at lower gears? Most of the posts I read on searching for sluggish involved MTX or turbo lag, her car has neither....please help!
I did the CAI the weekend after I picked it up from you guys. I'm sure it's not the work you or I did because it was sluggish and bogged down in low gear prior to the rebuild. I had hoped that would fix it, but it would make sense to be an ATX thing. With a CAI and dual exhaust, I'm sure the engine is breathing just fine.
My Charger's "safe" or "limp" mode doesn't feel the same way. When it goes into safe mode, check engine light is on and the tach bounces from 0-4k RPM constantly until I shut off the car and reset the codes. The 3S will feel different? No bouncing tach, no lights, just zero acceleration and feeling sluggish?
I'll make a trip up there sometime this week to have you check it out. Hopefully it's something easy I can buy, fix, or replace. Speaking of a trip up there, how easy would it be to see about fitting one of your new Gen 2 Stinger hoods to the car? It's going in for paint soon and I really want to surprise her with something cool, so now would be the perfect time. I'd need the low tension struts and probably want the Aero Catch hood latches as well (was looking at the underside mounted locked ones, but your site says not suggested for fiberglass??) Would this require multiple days on the car, or just an hour or two of fitment? If I'm going up there it may as well be worth it....
Yeah I know you guys normally don't do body, I just figured to save on the hassle for you and cost for me of shipping, and since I'll be up there anyways, it might slide by since they're your signature hoods...I guess we'll see what the bosses say....
not to jump in on 3sx or anyone there but the "safe mode" or limp home mode will feel different all car manufacturers do it differently, for instance most chrysler related cars stay in 2nd or 3rd gear all the time. fords wont shift out of 1st and most GMs will bang every gear for a while before staying in 1 gear as well
No, you're not intruding in some secret conversation at all. I welcome the input. That's in fact why I asked, since both cars are Dodge make, I'd have figured them for similarities....I'm just frustrated that when I step on the pedal it seems to be....lazy....would be the right word for it. Like I woke it from a nap. And continues that way until about 30mph.
Yeah, she has enough 99 front end parts on her car as it is. Hehe she doesn't want more. But that hood I think would look good. I understand if you guys don't play in that arena though. Just thought it'd be an awesome look for her car, and if you had a 2nd Gen hood available, the timing would be right if I came up this week and you had one. Is there a day I should avoid where you guys will be busy?
Well, simply replacing a hood and putting on some hood latches and struts would be MUCH easier by comparison, wouldn't it? LOL
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Post-rebuild questions
