Greetings!
My computer is turning my car into a granny wagon. I have noticed that everytime I do some work to my car, I usually disconnect the battery and when I test drive it for the first time, it runs like a scalded dog for maybe one or two separate trips. After that, the acceleration is reduced MAJORLY. The car runs smoothly but it just doesn't "get on it", if you dig what I'm saying. I have read that the computer goes through a learning period after it has been reset but somehow it thinks I'm a little old lady or something. I'm sure it is trying to conserve gas and emissions but frankly, I'd rather fill up more often in order to have that "seat of your pants" acceleration. Where do I go from here? BTW, this is an 89 2.8L V6 with MPFI and dual snorkel intake. Everything is stock.

EDIT: I do get a Code 44 periodically, so I'm going to replace the O2 sensor and see if that helps at all, but I received the code BEFORE my first test drive where it ran like a bat out of hell anyway.

 

It is correct that the ECM does have to relearn your driving style as well as how to control the idle again after it has been reset. For sluggish performance, id look into a complete tune-up. It works wonders. All too often the ECM is blamed for things when it has nothing to do with it. I am not saying that the ECM can not be at fault. I am just saying that its rare. The O2 sensor is a major player in fuel mileage as well as performance. If it is not reporting the proper oxygen levels to the ECM, then your air/fuel ratios will be way off. The O2 code might just be your whole issue. Another thing that robs power is if your EGR valve is stuck open due to carbon buildup, it will be constantly feeding exhaust gas into the intake tract, effectively decreasing the magnitude of the boom within your cylinders. There is alot more but I am sure if you search on this forum, you will find a wealth of things to check and how to check them. On a final note, if you just recently reset the ECM, you need to give it about a week or two to relearn everything and to reset the keep alive tables.