2003 enthusiast 6mt, 36k miles, zero mods other than springs that have been on for a while.

Over the past month or so, I've noticed my Z hasn't been pulling nearly as hard as it used to, even to the point that in DDing I'm shifting at least 500rpms earlier now due to how long it takes to rev up. I have a checklist of ideas from searching the forums that I've tried, with no luck so far. All of these were done after noticing the problem:

-Replaced engine oil [RP]
-Replaced tranny fluid [Redline]
-Replaced differential fluid [Redline]
-Replaced air filter [K&N]
-Cleaned MAF

Planning to try next:
Replace sparks plugs, Reset ECU

Anything else I should try? I'm out of warranty, so considering getting a Utec
and tune if nothing else works. Not much fun driving around a Z that's slower than stock.

 

Bout all you can do is replace the plugs. Keep them in order and chk the burn on each one, it should be the same on all 6. If not, then a story is being told. All should be dry and a lightish color

Just go back with the NGK Plats PLFR5A-11. The 4A is a step hotter

 

just sounds like a solid case of getting use to your car. Fair warning though, these are the first signs of the mod bug. )

If your car is running "sluggish" i mean it is actually hesitating during accelerating, then changing the spark plug is pretty much all you can do. Get the UTEC and a 100shot and call it a day.

 

+1

When I first got it... I was like damn. Then I got used to it and its just meh. Mod bug got me

 

Have you considered doing a fuel injection flush and servicing the throttle chamber?

 

ummm..... how about changing your spark plugs?

 

Hadn't yet, but I will add it to the list!

Thanks for all replies. I considered that it may be just adapting to the car, but definitely noticed that the rpms are raising slower now with the same amount of throttle, so I'm 99% certain it's not just in my head. Mpg has also been 1 or 2 less starting around the same time.

 

i don't think this is suppose to be done our cars.

 

if your losing gas mileage, i would check your exhaust for leaks. That would contribute to it feeling "slower" also.

 

Change the plugs and follow Frank's advice. Cleaning the throttle chamber and flushing out your injectors is definitely recommended. And yes it can be done on these vehicles if done properly.

 

lol maybe its because you shift "500 rpms earlier" so it feels sluggish dropping your rpm so low....

your not that dumb tho right?

 

Changing the plugs at 36k miles is too soon. I don't think it will make a difference. Maybe you should drive it harder.

 

agreed, drive it harder, your car will push out any junk when you heat it up like that. Z's love speed.

 

why not?, you are talking about the slow drip from the can thing while your car runs for like 20mins right?...it worked wonders on my ford tempo and eagle vision. the ford needed it to pass inspection (burned off all the carbon)