Effects from major pre-o2 exhaust leak

[Pyrice4]

Ive done alot of searching and got a good idea of what an exhaust leak will do if it is before the 02 sensor. But my question is, how significant can these problems be? I have NO power at all, if i floor it, it take about 5-10 seconds to rev from 2000-4000rpms in 1st gear. I cannot drive in any other gear but 1st becasue there isnt enough power. Also, the idle is messed up and lopes alot. I know this needs to be fixed ASAP but i only have 2 bolts holding my exhaust manifold on. Could this cause a leak significant enough to cause that much loss of power(or is it more likely to be a timing problem or something???

 

[absolute_DSM]

Do a boost leak test.

And you only have 2 bolts holding on your exhaust manifold? Yikes.

 

[Avionixx]

Two bolts holding the exhaust manifold on? If that really is the case, I would say you've found your problem! A pre-O2 leak of that size would seriously alter the O2 sensor readings to the point that it renders it close to useless, but that's probably not causing your power loss since the car operates without the O2 sensor while it warms up anyway. +1 for the boost leak test after fixing the exhaust leaks!

 

[Pyrice4]

uggg, im going to have to pull the head for this one. 2 broken studs and at LEAST 2 stipped holes....Not going to be fun at all. But wouldnt an extreme leak be the same as unplugging your o2 sensor, and if so, do you get the same effects when it is unplugged?

 

[Avionixx]

Why do you want to unplug the O2 sensor? Even if they had similar results, I'd still leave it plugged in so it won't throw a code.

 

[Pyrice4]

Im not saying that I would unplug it. Im just asking what are the effects of unplugging it. Becasue if a significant exhaust leak were to render the o2 sensor close to useless than your car would ACT as if the o2 sensor were unplugged.