Power drop out at high RPM

[SiberianDVM]

I could use some help figuring out what is wrong with my car: stock 3.2L motor 1984 Carrera, does have cat delete and Steve Wong chip, running 93 octane supposedly ethanol free pump gas, just filled up that morning.

On the track at VIR this weekend, on 2nd run session, at about lap 5, on uphill straight at WOT, between 5000 and 5500 RPM in 4th gear, 110mph or so, car had momentary loss of power, like it was hitting the RPM limiter. Also did it in a couple of other places on the track at WOT, then it would run smooth.

Temp was good, just about 1st lower white mark. Oil pressure and levels were good. Pulled spark plugs and they looked good, nice and tan, no corrosion or pitting.

Put it back together, and final run session of the first day was about the same.

Instead of getting worse the second day, it got slightly better: still hesitated after it was hot, but not as bad. And just uphill at WOT this time. Bad gas? Semi-clogged fuel filter, fuel pump going bad? I really don't know where to start, as it runs fine under normal conditions. Any help appreciated.

[blucille]

I've had exactly the same symptoms cured by a new cap and rotor.

I like to say 90% (+) of all perceived fuel systems problems are in the ignition. Amazing how often those feelings of fuel intake issues can be cured with new wires, cap, rotor, plugs etc.

especially the high RPM issues are very common faults with ignition.

good luck and let us know what you find.

[SiberianDVM]

Looking back in the POs maintenance logs, it's been about 30,000 miles since it got a new distributor cap and rotor and fule filter. Got new plugs right before I got it, but they are Autolite. No mention of wires or coil. Wires look pretty old, as they have some cracks in the outer sheath.

Since I'm tracking it, I guess I'll do some preventive maintenance replacement of "cheap" (and easy to get to) parts: dizzy cap, rotor, wires, plugs, fuel filter.

Which spark plugs, Bosch or NGK? Copper, right, not platinum?
Which spark plug wires? Clewitt or Magnecor?

[Chuck.H]

I suggest you don't overgap the plugs while tracing possible ignition issues as this can lead to mis-fires when the spark looks for an easier route.

As for the wires, I have about 160k miles on the magnecores, they seem to be holding up well.

Just for fun check out the original Porsche spark plug wires, and after you fall off your chair look back to realize that's just for one HALF of the engine!!!

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 359k miles

[Bob Kontak]

I like the regular Clewitts because they are working well now with NGK copper plugs with a few thousandths fatter gap - like 0.003". Only three or four years old.

If Chuck's Magnecors have held up this long, that says a whole lot.

Lots of folks swear by them.

[SiberianDVM]

I like the looks of the Magnecors, only Pelican does not have the model listed for the 1984 Carrera (neither does Pelican have it listed for Clewitt).

Should I call Magnecor and have them make me a set for (gag) $224, or just re-route the 1985-89 set (which is about $50 cheaper)?

[blucille]

I had a couple of problems with Magnecor's. some say they don't play well with MSD, whatever the case, I've been using Clewitts and have been very pleased, I like the look and feel and I think the ends they use are superior