Power loss/Car hits wall at 4-4500k RPMS

[Jeff822]

Just picked up a 91 TSi AWD after being out of the DSM game for about 5 years or so. Car is bone stock 5spd, all original with 212k miles. Only thing I did was today changed the oil, put a K&N filter on (removed stock canister) and changed the PCV valve.
When driving the car the car pulls good and strong up until about 4500rpms in 3rd gear then just seems like it hits a wall, like the car doesnt want to go anywhere. The engine sounds almost like its free revving like the clutch were slipping. It does the same thing in 4th gear if I try to rip on it but it loses power at about 4k rpms. I'm not having any problems with the clutch angaging/disangaging between shifts otherwise so I don't believe its the clutch. Was thinking of doing a boost leak test but something is telling me its something different. Any input is appreciated. Thanks, Jeff​

 

[hypergenesis]

Spark plug, spark plug wires

Or maybe your fuel pump or injectors are starting to give.

Usually when you hit a wall its a fuel cut, but if its sputtering and what not it may be your spark plug wires.

Check them and see if they look like they need changing.

Armin

 

[Jeff822]

I'll check those, I think I may have worded my last post wrong, Not so much as in hit a wall like the car jolts when hit a fuel cut but more so the car just can't get out of its own way. Like it just starts creeping past 4k/4,500 RPMS like there is a governer on it or something It doesnt sputter or anything otherwise

 

[clipto]

Check boost leaks check sparkplug gap .26 to .28 ngkbpr6's or 7's only.Run some injector cleaner. Do you have a boost gauge check how much boost next thing would be fuel mods.Are they stock injector?stock turbo?Stock ecu?Stock fuel pump?Then make sure they all check out ok.You can always upgrade the fuel pump it never hurts and only cost like $90.

 

[-Boosty-]

do you have a boost gauge? if it were a boost leak seems you would be able to see the psi drop. Like said earlier, is start with simple stuff and work your way forward, last time my car had similar symptoms it was a vacuum hose.

 

[Jeff822]

Don't have a boost guage yet. Car is completely stock other then a K&N filter

 

[clipto]

Don't have a boost guage yet. Car is completely stock other then a K&N filter

Ok start with maintance make sure this is all done before you mod anything.Start with ngkbpr6es spark plugs and ngk blue wires.Gap the spark plugs to .26 to .28 and see if that helps.Also change the fuel filter.

 

[Lizardman]

I'll check those, I think I may have worded my last post wrong, Not so much as in hit a wall like the car jolts when hit a fuel cut but more so the car just can't get out of its own way. Like it just starts creeping past 4k/4,500 RPMS like there is a governer on it or something It doesnt sputter or anything otherwise

After installing new Air Filter which was a bear The Piping clamps where not tight enough for the retuns on the airflow. It was falling falt on its face too. Once I found out the the tubing was loose I tighten them as much as possible and got my laggin thotle to respond.

 

[Rajin]

Ran into the same issue on my 2G, I'll just go ahead and say it's most likely the plugs, have you checked them yet? Mine had burned the tip of one of the plugs off giving me a studdering/weak accel wall.

 

[razordsm413]

Check for thrust bearing play. Does it shift funny after hard left turns?

 

[Lizardman]

I Have an ECU out of a 1991 Laser and it is doing the same thing MD165529. It falls flat on its face also. And my earlier post I had loose Tubing. I opened up the 1991 ECU and it has blown capacitors but still starts and runs but has throtle loss at 4kRPM. Have you opened up your ECU if POssible and check your capacitors? if they are blown or leaking you will need to get it repaired since it does start and run but is mssing the advancement components not being recognized provided output by the ECU. have the right ECU MD145903 Getting repaired @ http://www.aesmodules.com