My camaro struggles when accelerating, it feels like the engine loses power the more I accelerate. It’s worse when going uphill. It also takes too long to go from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. It’s an automatic.

At first I thought it lacked power because of a bad catalytic converter, but after straight pipping it still lacked power.

It has a slow leak in the transmission from where the dipstick tube meets the tranny. It’s pretty small though and only have to add a small amount of transmission every other week.

I suspect it might also have a bad fuel pump. My gas gauge doesn’t read anything (the gauge is in good shape with clean and rust free contacts)

What could be the cause? I’m tired of not being able to keep up with normal traffic!

Thanks for any help.

 

So, did it used to be faster?

 

Yes, it was.

 

Start with the ignition. Is your timing set to 10-12* with the plug on the firewall disconnected? Cheap spark plug wires arcing? I've had all of these issues on my 2.8

Next, move onto air. Does it run better with the MAF unplugged? If Yes, then look into replacing/ rebuilding the MAF. (FYI, the MAF Sensors are finicky and very hard to find good replacements)

Fuel: How old are the injectors? New injectors solved my lack of power issue. SouthBay Fuel injectors make a drop in upgrade for the 2.8. SKU 4471
Test the Fuel Pressure at the rail. It will help narrow down a possible fueling issue that is not the injectors.

And if you haven't already, purchase a factory service manual. NOT a Haynes manual, but the 1800+ page shop manual that GM Dealerships used back in the 1980's. You can find copies on CD Rom from at least one vender. The manual will walk you though every part and diagnostic for the car.

Once you have tested these, come back and we will try to help.

 

Thanks a whole bunch for the useful information, I’ll definitely look into getting/downloading the factory service manual.

The car runs great now, turns out the culprit was the fuel filter. It was in pretty bad shape with most of the inner components lose and broken. I also cleaned the MAF with an maf cleaner.

The job was a bit difficult given my little mechanic experience (had to pb blaster one of the gas line nuts & ended up soaked in gasoline) but man does it feel good knowing I fixed it by myself.
Now my car runs strong and mighty, as any muscle car should.

Thanks again!

 

Strong ? Mighty ? Muscle ? ........... Stock V6 2.8 ? ...... Not even in the same universe

I presently own a mint V6 making all the meager ponies GM gave it , and have had in the past a TA with a well built 350 , and wouldn't go telling a girlfriend that 4" is actually 9" either !

 

Lol well aren’t you a ray of sunshine 😂

Maybe it’s just an old, stock v6 but it sounds and performs well enough to make me happy.

Someday it’ll have some kind of mean v8, but for now I’m thankful for what I have ✌️

 

Aw , didn't mean to hurt your feelings , I was just havin fun with the whole mighty V6 thing .....

Us V6 guys gotta stick together , after all WE know the size of our weenies ain't tied to how many cylinders our cars have

 

I figure if we can't be fast , we can at least be clean