Really slow launch in 1st gear and bogging in 2nd gear

[coloneludatank]

I have noticed that when ever I attempt to launch my vibe (BASE) 5 spd from a stop light it takes forever to get up to speed when pulling in 1st gear even after revving it to 6k and the after I do my quick change out to 2nd it seems to bogging down like it has no low end power to keep running so I have to rev it back up to another 6k before it really starts moving down the street but, I must say that it is hauls when in 3rd and 4th.

I am using only premium 93 Octane gas and I am running Denso Iridium in my car. I do not have an upgraded intake nor any other mods done to this vehicle but I might put a t25/t28 turbo on it for low end power so there is no bogging in the engine at all.

Any suggestions?

[acvw74]

You might check the Oil Control Valve and the screen just below it...it the timing isn't advancing correctly it would impact your powerband.

[joatmon]

I have noticed that when ever I attempt to launch my vibe (BASE) 5 spd ...

I am using only premium 93 Octane gas

I don't know if it will affect the problem you posted about, but you are wasting a lot of money. Your car was designed, engineered and built to run on 87 octane. Feed it that, not 93. You won't get more HP out of 93, except the slight effect of carrying a lighter wallet. You;d need the higher octane if you put a turbo on it, but before then, running 93 might actually make the car run worse.


As for the performance issue, has it always been this way? How long have you had the car?

[Dave532]

Not sure if your car is equipped with VSC but if it is try turning it off. I noticed a very slow start in first gear as well (sometimes dangerously slow). Turning of my VSC solved the problem for me although I do tend to spin my tires more...

[coloneludatank]

No my car is not equipped with a VSC. I indexed my spark plugs on all 4 cylinders and the car picks up fine. Now the issue I am having is the feeling of a limiter kicking in at 70mph and like the car is struggling to go any faster. I have dropped to 4th gear and the car gets moving then I switch back to 5th gear and the limiter feeling comes back. Every-time that happens I floor it until whatever it is that is holding the car from going lets go and the car takes off like a rocket. I have been having this issue for over a year now and my mechanic checked for CEL's and there are none. I have cleaned the MAF, I have Cleaned the IAC, but I have not changed the PVC valve or cleaned my throttle body as of yet. I cannot say it is gas related. I have also ran the GUMOUT regane thru the system and it worked for a little while and the problem came back. I have sea foamed my engine and all that did was blow a whole bunch of smoke out of my tailpipe like the YouTube videos but there was no real difference like the Regane. Any help would be great.