My god! What a drama.

My GF has a '97 323 Protege 1.6 that is so enoying to drive due to its guttless proformance before (apprx.) 3000 rpm. The car is in great working order and has just clicked over 80000 kms. Is a 5 speed manual (which i thought would make it easier :-(

I'm not trying to set it up like a preformance vehicle. It's just that it can be outright dangerous when trying to take off, cross an intersection, change lanes. The fact is, unless u are doing over 3000rpm the car isn't interested. After that rmp range, it takes off like a shower of sh#t before signing off (a little early for my liking) at high rpm.

When taking off at the lights i need to ride the clutch excessively to get moving or, i stab the pedal to get the revs up and then let the clutch out. Totally crap bottom end power. What's the deal?

I am thinking that the idle is set a little low, which would cause the engine to die when taking off. What is the standard idle setting?

Also, at the last service the mechanic said the injectors would need a service in the future. They weren't worth touching just yet. Would this cause and 'low down' dramas? I can't believe it would be a big contributer.

Has this happened to u? What would u do for a cheap fix up? Intake? EXhaust? Unichip?

Bigger motor would suit me better but it's just not on the cards ATM.

Thanks for your input.

 

BY THE SOUNDS OF IT YOU MIGHT NEED A NEW CLUTCH-CHECK TO SEE THE RELEASE POINT OF THE CLUTCH IF YOU NEED TO LET THE CLUTCH OUT ALMOST ALL THE WAY BEFORE THE CAR STARTS TO GO THEN THIS IS A STRONG POSSIBILITY.IN THE NEXT BREATH IF YOU NEED TO RIDE THE CLUTCH YOU MAY HAVE AN INTERNAL SLIP. FUEL INJECTION SERVICES ONLY INCREASE POWER ALITTLE BIT.IT IS NORMALLY PERFORMED JUST TO CLEAN THE INJECTORS.A inTAKE WOULD ONLY INCREASE THIS CARS PERFORMANCE ALITTLE NOT MUCH.HOPE THIS HELPS

 

Thanks for your responce.
Nah the clutch is is in full working order.
It seems more to do with the torque of the motor at low revs. The motor just doesn't have the pull. I know its a small motor but damn! it's like a huge flat spot.
What could i do to boost the bottom end power?
Any other ideas?

 

I'm afraid you have whats called a "slow car". Having one can be difficult in today's fast-paced world full of discourteous and reckless drivers, but there is no easy solution. I suggest you be careful.