ST215 flat spot

[scottlefevre1981]

Hi all,

I have just bought a 99 caldina Gtt auto.
I have a problem with a flat spot just before 3000rpm. In normal driving it is really annoying. When the car is revved hard from first gear you can't really notice it but when in 2nd or 3rd and I try to accelerate its really noticable.
The car has just gone through a service prior to getting it. All filters, plugs etc.

Would it be a timing thing? The car is totally stock.
Any advice would be really apprecieted.

ps, can anyone suggest some good cheapish 16/17 inch wheels to suit. Having hard time finding some that fit

[scottlefevre1981]

bump.
please help me with this problem, Some of you should have some ideas!!

[pandaah]

its not just lag?... what engine does it have

[The Last Streetfighter]

Engine is a Gen IV 3S-GTE 2.0L turbo. Coil-on-plug ignition
Timing shouldn't be a problem.
Have you got good fuel in it?
Have you got a fmic?
When my clutch was starting to go, it was first noticed as a flat spot just when boost was coming on at around 3000RPM.

[scottlefevre1981]

Can't be clutch, it's an auto. But you're right its that exact symptom. My old skyline Gtst did the same thing when boost hit. it's a very distinct pause in the revs before 3000. Doesn't happen if im right up it from first gear tho. I might put it on a dyno and see what it turns up? Good idea?

[scottlefevre1981]

sorry last streetfighter only responded to half your post. No FMIC, totally standard and its running 98 octane VPower.

[pandaah]

get someone to plug the car into a diagnostics, you might have a fault code come up from the air flow meter or o2 sensor or something silly...

[The Last Streetfighter]

A dyno check would not hurt. Diagnostics should not show anything if there is no CEL.

[wagonist]

Use more throttle

Personally, not a fan of the Shell fuel. I don't know if the new Vpower is any different to the old Optimax, but I'd rather use the Caltex Vortex 98 & BP Ultimate.

BTW, welcome & check out the Dina dedicated thread & i'm jealous you've got the good front skirt. Looks good.

[scottlefevre1981]

Thanks Wagonist, Bummer bout the Shell fuel, I just filled her up again today!
Will try the others next fill to see if there's a difference. I do have to say the front of my car does look pretty tough!! Can anyone tell me what difference an exhaust and filter will do to the performance? Would it be noticable?

[wagonist]

Filter: prob stuff all of nothing
Exhaust: if you replace everything including the dump pipe, then theoretically it should help with the flow & turbo spool. Sounding better is a bonus.

I think you need to start a reader's thread of your own

[The Last Streetfighter]

I use the Shell fuel in Brisbane a lot. Have found no problems with it at all.
Dump pipe, exhaust and FMIC should see quite tidy gains.

[scottlefevre1981]

put a k&n panel filter in today, no noticable gain in power, does sound better tho, more noticable sucking sound. With the exhaust, I don't want anything too loud cause my missus will call me a wanker. If I just do diff back or cat back will it gain any power?

[The Last Streetfighter]

Diffback will probably only gain you noise.
A properly sorted cat-back system should give you a bit of response and a bit of power, and still keep noise under control.

[wagonist]

stuff with my car says it can run on 95 Octane. Not game to try, it pings a little now on 98.

What part number was the K&N? I want to install one but my local shop is hopeless at finding the number...

At some point, I'd like to do a full system from turbo on, but the pipe under the engine is going to be the hardest (limited space & not straight)