S2 slow under 4k

nick9one1 · 05-23-2012, 08:35 AM

Hi,

Ive had my S2 for a little while now and I know they aren't the most powerful cars in the world but mine seems like it takes a while to 'wind up'.

Over 4k seems ok (although I haven't been in another S2 to compare).

But under 4k it seems to be a bit slow to get going... the revs build slower than I expect and it doesn't feel 'torquey'.

I know what I'm describing is based on feel, and I don't have any figures to back it up.

Can anyone think of anything that might cause this? - maybe timing out slightly?

djantlive · 05-23-2012, 10:25 AM

i think S2 has automatic tensioner which shouldn't require much timing adjustment if any.

how old is the engine oil and what viscosity is it? 15-40, 15-50 and 20-50 are recommended oil which is a bit on the thicker side.

my S2 opens up above 3-3.5k rpm. down below, it drives like a civic. there is a lot of mechanic whine noise under that rpm too.

mhr · 05-23-2012, 01:38 PM

My s2 perks up considerably at 3500 before that it can feel sluggish but it never seems to be below that. My shift points are more for fun than economy.

I have never driven another S2 either so I have nothing to compare to.

Kiwi944s2 · Kiwi944s2's Garage

I would never say my S2 was sluggish or slow at any rev range. I drive mine with scant regard to fuel consumption cos if you gonna own a sports car you shouldn't worry about fuel use. Frankly i am surprised i have not got more speeding tickets LOL.

jsb944 · jsb944's Garage

I can only compare to my old NA.... My s2 is anything but sluggish!

Maybe a bad plug wire?

bazar01 · bazar01's Garage

Check your timing, it could be retarded due to bad hall sensor or knock sensor.

nick9one1 · 08:33 AM

Thanks,

From what I understand the flywheel has a TDC mark you can see from the 'viewing window' in the bellhousing.
Then i should be able to take the cam covre off and see if the cam pully marks line up?

Im not quite sure how else to check the timing? - doesnt the DME controll it electronically?

One other thing that might be worth mentioning is my exhaust is quite sooty. Not to the extent the fumes are black, but the tailpipe is coated. Could I be running rich? Ive replaced the Oxygen sensor/O2 and the water temp sensor fairly recently.