Compression TEST. BLT.

Start There,

^+1

But also when's the last time you did a tune-up?

Good answers all. Compression, air/fuel ratios, boost leaks, exhaust leaks, bad igntion components, being out of time, it can all cause your problem.

When you do get it squared away, there's not a lot you can do to speed up spool short of running a larger and/or higher compression engine, adding timing, proper manifold and porting on the manifold, head, and turbo, and nitrous. There's no bolt on method that will significantly speed spool. The best solution is to match your turbo to your engine, and use the smallest turbo possible that will still meet your goals.

All good posts here. Until the turbo spools you're driving a 3000 pound plus car with a low compression 2.0L engine. You can't expect too much.

As Absit said there's no bolt on way to spool at a lower speed. However I found much improved off boost torque after installation of a 3 inch turbo back exhaust.

Nothing to contribute here, but I couldn't help but laugh at the thread's title. After all, the general consensus of any I4 is that it's gutless before the turbo kicks in.

Kreez said:

Nothing to contribute here, but I couldn't help but laugh at the thread's title. After all, the general consensus of any I4 is that it's gutless before the turbo kicks in.

Click to expand...

I know. It's nothing compared to the Corvette I drove a few weeks ago. Thing is, it's a lot weaker than normal. Not undriveable, but the car seems as fast as my 1.4L Honda Fit with a CVT transmission (like I said, before the turbo kicks in) that I drive daily, it wasn't like that.

Either way, thanks for the contribution, everyone! I'll see what I can do, if I get it fixed I'll comment back. Feel free to add more stuff, though.

Low compression motor + no boost= . But as far as your 0-60 times goin down could be from the motor just wearing out over time, low compression boost leaks yada yada yada as everyone else has already said. Just start with the basics and see what kind of numbers/info you find out.

I find engine wear kinda doubtful, as the engine's milege difference between these two runs was 1000-1500 miles, probably even less than that.

Do a boost leak test. It helped my car a lot.

Check compression, air/fuel ratios, boost leaks, exhaust leaks, igntion components, and timing.
trial and error.

mine was something about ecu in or out of loop. When in cold weather it feels like a major drag during the first drive. but in warm weather it starts and drive fine with no hesitation. Something to think about.

I think I found the problem. The A/F trim was loose, the car was running super rich. No wonder I noticed that its fuel consumption had increased... Gonna fix it up, see what happens.

Hey this is the same issue with me i have 96 Geo Prism and my car is so weak that the turbo keeps kicking in always i tried all the possible ways but i am still unable to get that fixed well is there any thing else that i can do or should i take a help of a mechanic .

Not sure what turbo you are using. If it's stock not so much can be gained with upgrading the exhaust. However, for any one with a 14b or larger you most DEFINATELY quicken spool speed by uncorking the exhaust. Proven time and time again. Not sure where some of the comments that you can speed spool with only a smaller turbo, tuning, or more displacement. I've run 7.8:1 cr then jumped to 8.5 and spool speed didnt improve. I certainly DID see off boost response improve and racing through the rpms a little better. When looking at a boost gauge, then at the tach, then back at the boost gauge again; that makes you think spool speed improves. But actual link logs prove contrary.

At least you've found your problem and congrats on deciding to fix problems before jumping into the modding phase. 90% of the newer ones just dont' seam to understand the benefits of that basic concept.