Evidently My Car Runs Like Crap?

DFG 5OH

Active Member
Aug 28, 2004
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Louisville, KY
Well me dad took my car for a spin the other day, and came back and told me my car ran like crap. I didnt think it ran bad. He said it feels like it takes forever to get going, the engine doesnt wanna "pick up". He said it might be the MSD Cap and Rotor or the FRPP 9mm Wires. I didnt think it ran bad, but I'm used to it being slow.

Anyways, bottom line is we're taking it to a shop (good one) soon and get it check out. The tune-up is fresh on it, he said it feels down on power. He's had 5.0's before, and he said mine was the slowest/worst running one he's ever driven. What could it be?

Matt
 
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matthiasj said:
Well me dad took my car for a spin the other day, and came back and told me my car ran like crap. I didnt think it ran bad. He said it feels like it takes forever to get going, the engine doesnt wanna "pick up". He said it might be the MSD Cap and Rotor or the FRPP 9mm Wires. I didnt think it ran bad, but I'm used to it being slow.

Anyways, bottom line is we're taking it to a shop (good one) soon and get it check out. The tune-up is fresh on it, he said it feels down on power. He's had 5.0's before, and he said mine was the slowest/worst running one he's ever driven. What could it be?

Matt

What is he comparing it too a Fox?
I know the one I bought (Sapphire blue GT aode ) feels slower than my 91 notch due to the weight and automatic, but it's not really that much slower, just in my mind. Bottom line do YOU think it runs like crap? It is your car after all.
 
its a 5-speed. All the obvious have been covered, codes, maf ECT. I'm going to try a compression test and check the plugs toimrrow, and i'll clean the MAF while i'm at it, and pull the codes again.

Its gotta be something deeper. Could my timing be off that bad? I've never checked it, could it have backed off that much?
 
What kind of gas mileage does it get? Me, synned, and sage2k cars are not running good at all and we get around 11mpg. Our cars are aode though, but they want even spinout. Your car is probably running better than that.
 
B4 my engine was replaced with the new one, I got the same comments by mechanicx and they were right.

They said it was the slowest dam 5.0 the ever drove. "No guts." Heavy and too much smog crap, 4 converters, no throttle respose like the old foxes, crimped headers. I've said this b4 but it is still fun to drive and LOTS of potential.
 
I think it's just that our 5.0's were a little anemic from the factory with a neck-snapping (meaning noodle nudging) 215hp. I REALLY doubt a new cap/rotor and wires are gonna have a NEGATIVE effect. If you're good on codes, and good on compression then I think it's all in his head.

Of course, you COULD use this as an excuse to go to the track.

"DAD!! If I could just run it, we'd know EXACTLY how it's running! No need to take it to a mechanic!" :D
 
matthiasj said:
it takes forever to get going, the engine doesnt wanna "pick up". He said it might be the MSD Cap and Rotor or the FRPP 9mm Wires.


Matt
pretty much stock 5.0 no gears, yes its gonna be a while before it gets going, thats a given.215 is flywheel hp,with a really good tune 190 to the rear.thats really weak ,IMO.these cars were fast for there time{and cost} but now its a whole new ballgame.HCI is the ticket then youll be happy for a few short lived blasts.the cap and rotor only helped ya thats a fact.i dont know whats done to your car but in stock trim these cars are dogs.{didnt really want to say that but its the truth}
 
wasn't it on seinfeld where the old man walks up to the race car and gives the mechanic advice that he should adjust the points???

Maybe it is, but maybe it isn't running right, let the mechanic decide.

Good luck
 
95opal said:
pretty much stock 5.0 no gears, yes its gonna be a while before it gets going, thats a given.215 is flywheel hp,with a really good tune 190 to the rear.thats really weak ,IMO.these cars were fast for there time{and cost} but now its a whole new ballgame.HCI is the ticket then youll be happy for a few short lived blasts.the cap and rotor only helped ya thats a fact.i dont know whats done to your car but in stock trim these cars are dogs.{didnt really want to say that but its the truth}

I thought there was a lot more loss in the drive trian, like at least 15%. That would put it more like 180rwhp stock. Anyone?
 
your best bet would be to get it out to the nearest track in order to actually tell if there is a problem with power so your not just guessing. Dont be suprsied if it runs in the mid 15's as thats what most stock 5 speeds run.
 
bad98sst said:
your best bet would be to get it out to the nearest track in order to actually tell if there is a problem with power so your not just guessing. Dont be suprsied if it runs in the mid 15's as thats what most stock 5 speeds run.

Thats not true. Most stock 5 spds run about 15 flat to high 14s. Right?