GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

hey i have a 2003 vibe gt, upon hard accel it has a lag, or a bog before and during lift in 3rd, gears 1 and 2 seem to be ok but not what they used to be. Car has 167,000 miles and the lift bolts have been replaced within the last month, they were worn but not broken. Any ideas? Also it was happening before the lift bolt replacement. No other maintenance performed recently to have caused this.

It's quite uncommon for the lift bolts to need replacing in a 2003+ 2ZZ, as they should have the longer tapered bolts from the factory.
http://www.billswebspace.com/2ZZLiftBoltReplacement.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Anyway is the check engine light on? If so what codes are being thrown?
Has all the other normal maintenance been preformed (spark plugs at 120k miles)?
Before attempting to accelerate hard has the engine oil been properly warmed up? This normally takes twice as long as the coolant. The ECU will lock out Lift, until the oil is at proper running temperature.
Are you running premium fuel?

Thanks for replying! Spark plugs at 100,000, premium fuel, and properly warmed up. No check engine light either... I have had this car since 39,000, it has been a great car. Abby other ideas?

Thank you for replying! So how many people show up ask questions, then never return.

Did this start happening before or after replacing the lift bolts? During this service was anything else removed intake or exhaust manifolds, or intake piping? Maybe to clean the TB, or MAF?

during lift in 3rd, gears 1 and 2 seem to be ok but not what they used to be

This makes me think it's an airflow problem. Same type of thing happened in my WRX when a coupler between the turbo and the intercooler wasn't tight and it caused a boost leak. Of course owning a Base Vibe doesn't really help when diagnosing Lift issues.
Sorry I can't be more help.

Try replacing the spark plugs with new iridiums...

No air flow changes, stock intake and exhaust components. Muffler has been replaced but has been on for a while. I have not tried cleaning the maf. I'm guessing some electrical parts cleaner to do this? I'll try some new iridiums this weekend. I would love to figure this out, the new car bug is going around and I have had my eye on a wrx, but this has been the best vehicle I have ever owned..... I would hate to get rid of it... thanks guys for your help...

Sparkplug to get - NGK BKR6EIX-11
MAF cleaning guide (make sure to read the second post in the thread) viewtopic.php?t=29887" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Have you looked at the air filter? Couldn't hurt to check the actual air intake from inlet to filter too. Make sure you don't have a bird's nest in there or something.

Alright guys I'll check it out this weekend and let you know what I found... thanks for the replies...