'02 WRX turbo lag or something else?

[Dundo]

I've been driving my '02 WRX wagon for the last 2 years and I got used to
avoid 'turbo lag' at quick accelerations by keeping the revs up when
necessary. Recently, it seems (or it's just my hallucination) that this
lag is more noticeable. Let's say it's 2nd or 3rd gear and I keep revs at
approx. 3000 RPMs. No matter if I press gas pedal 'to the metal' or just
a half way there's no difference in acceleration. I can hear turbine
whistling and turbo gauge showing proper activity but there's no
difference in acceleration and response. Clutch wear? I was thinking of
that one but that would be really strange after 'only' 22000 miles. I
never drag raced this car and I have really long-term experience driving
performance cars with manual shift. Also, I never noticed clutch slipping
when driving up the hill after a full stop. I still have clutch shudder
issues on colder days but that's normal for WRX. Tranny maybe? Any
suggestion would be helpful. My regular service is coming soon and I'd
like to have some 'ammo' to make these guys at service do some thorough
check-up.

 

[the artist spidie]

No matter if I press gas pedal 'to the metal' or just
a half way there's no difference in acceleration.

Wow... did you try resetting the ECU? (Disconnect the negative battery
terminal for about an hour.)

Best way to reduce the turbo lag IMO is to just gut the up-pipe and/or
install a catless downpipe.

peace,
spidie

 

[marc]

You mention that the regular service is coming soon,. Do you drive your
engine hard? Look at the outer parts of your tires? as the car is two years
old ? a 30 K service is probably in order by time rather than be miles. Air
Filter maybe clogging, Gas filter might have sediment in it, the plugs
should not be fouled but may be carbonized, the simple service would first
be recommended. Also try a basic Fuel injector cleaner.

Marc S.
Natick Subaru Sales and Leasing.

 

[David Algie]

My '01 RS got clutch slip after 20,000 miles, try the clutch pedal, see if
there's a SMALL amount of play, if not, get some very soon, there's an
adjuster up in there, have a look.

--
David Algie
Algie Composite Aircraft
http://members.iquest.net/~aca/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/algiecompositeaircraft/

 

[S]

Hi Dundo!

I've been driving my '02 WRX wagon for the last 2 years and I got used to
avoid 'turbo lag' at quick accelerations by keeping the revs up when
necessary. Recently, it seems (or it's just my hallucination) that this
lag is more noticeable. Let's say it's 2nd or 3rd gear and I keep revs at
approx. 3000 RPMs. No matter if I press gas pedal 'to the metal' or just
a half way there's no difference in acceleration.

Probably just driver expectations not being met. I have an '02 WRX
wagon too. The poor thing is a real pooch until the turbo winds up at
~3500RPMs or so, only then does it start to pull hard! Kills me at the
autocross; those tight turns . . . sigh.
You might try putting in the grounding mods described in various
forums (clubWRX or Soobiemods), as poor grounding in the engine
compartment can cause a hesitation in throttle response. You might
also try disconnecting the battery for a couple minutes to reset the
ECU; they do learn, and based on your previous driving habits (lotsa
city slo-n-go?) it might be in a gas-saver mode of some sort. Beyond
that you'll need to look at changes to the intake tract, up/down-pipe
modifications, and a switch to an aftermarket blowoff valve of some
description; all of these mods address the turbo lag issues, and
probably blow your warranty in the process. Hope this is helpful.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[Dundo]

Thank you all for given advices!

Hi Dundo!



Probably just driver expectations not being met. I have an '02 WRX
wagon too. The poor thing is a real pooch until the turbo winds up at
~3500RPMs or so, only then does it start to pull hard! Kills me at the
autocross; those tight turns . . . sigh.
You might try putting in the grounding mods described in various
forums (clubWRX or Soobiemods), as poor grounding in the engine
compartment can cause a hesitation in throttle response. You might
also try disconnecting the battery for a couple minutes to reset the
ECU; they do learn, and based on your previous driving habits (lotsa
city slo-n-go?) it might be in a gas-saver mode of some sort. Beyond
that you'll need to look at changes to the intake tract, up/down-pipe
modifications, and a switch to an aftermarket blowoff valve of some
description; all of these mods address the turbo lag issues, and
probably blow your warranty in the process. Hope this is helpful.

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[Ken Gilbert]

city slo-n-go?) it might be in a gas-saver mode of some sort. Beyond

that you'll need to look at changes to the intake tract, up/down-pipe
modifications, and a switch to an aftermarket blowoff valve of some
description; all of these mods address the turbo lag issues, and
probably blow your warranty in the process. Hope this is helpful.

steve,

i agree with everything except the blow off valve. the stock one is
fine and is actually a diverter valve, which keeps the metered air in
the intake system. most aftermarked bov's are atmospheric, which will
lead to a momentary rich condition while they are actuated. not bad,
but not good either. they won't do squat for your spool up time!

if you really want spool, and you want to keep a factory warrantee (at
least appearance wise) then look at a deadbolt port and polish job on
the stock td04 turbo. you should also consider getting a stock up
pipe, gutting out the superfluous cat that's inside, and putting it on
the car. you will still easily pass both sniffer and visual emissions
testing.

jm2c
ken