I'm afraid my RS is sick. Its been like this for a long long time,well,for the year I've had it so far. I replaced the Idle control valve/sensor whatever earlier this week. It seemed to have helped my car idle and perform better.

I'm just wondering,why is it that my car runs like total **** when its cold,and sometimes when its just a little hot? Seems like if my car isnt exactly around 160-180 degrees my car is just throwing fits. And when I go to start it after its been sitting? Dont even get me started! It will start,cough,die. Takes 5-6 seconds of turning the key before the engine lights up,then it will cough,sputter and die again. Feather the throttle as I try to start again and it will come to life! ...Then I move 5 feet and the car bogs down and dies. Rinse and repeat.

What I mean by bogging down is that you mash the throttle and then the engine dies and sounds like its running on about 1 cyl. Its really pissing me off. Its not throwing any codes. I dont know why it would do this. I'm thinking possibly my ignition system is at fault,because it looks like it has stock spark plug wires. My car is 125k miles old and can run good,but not all the time. Its really a pain in the ***.

Anyone have any ideas? I think my timing is set to 6 degrees advance. Only mods I have is an open air element and advanced timing. Thats it. I dont think my mods are to blame at all. I just dont get it. I've replaced the TPS,the AIC,The O2 sensor....what could it be,MAP? Thats the only thing I havnt replaced...

Can anyone help me to have a NORMAL running car?

 

ttft!

 

How did you set the timing? If you don't disconnect that brown single wire plug, your timing will be way off.

Fuel filter is always good to replace, maybe hook up a fuel pressure gauge and make sure your fuel pump isn't shot.

Check the injector spray pattern, maybe clogged inj.

Cap, rotor, plugs, and wires are always good to replace, maybe bring your coil in too and have them test it while you're at it.

I think it's your timing is wrong.

 

Its not the timing...I did that the right way,diconnecting the wire.

 

Fuel filter, fuel pump, coolant temp sensor (although I doubt it), could be any number of reasons. Have you checked your spark plugs to see if they're wet with fuel after the car bogs and dies? If you're not up to it, bring it to a mechanic and have them figure it out. Do you remember the last time the fuel filter was changed? What you're described sounds just like a lean condition. After the motor warms up it doesn't need as much fuel to run not to mention it'll go closed loop and correct the lean problem. How about getting a scan tool or winaldl, that'll give you the answer in no time.

 

I replaced the fuel filter 10k miles ago. I replaced the coolant temp sensor 4k miles ago... I dont know what it could be.

 

A serious vacuum leak can get your engine really nervous. Check the vacuum hoses.

What's the last thing you've done to the car?

Have you overheated it recently? A crispy gasket can make for an interesting vacuum leak.

Check your injectors ASAP. That's the most likely cause. If they drip or don't spray right you've found the culprit.